The Federal Government has cautioned that the widespread consumption of hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s leather industry, which is currently valued at about $5 billion. Speaking at the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, said the practice deprives local industries of essential raw materials needed for leather production and export.
Ikemounso noted that Nigeria’s leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.96 billion by 2033, warning that the persistent diversion of hides for consumption could undermine this anticipated growth.He said, “From an economic and industrial standpoint, cow hides are among Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials. Our country has a thriving leather industry with tremendous prospects for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP. Unfortunately, the continuous use of hides for ponmo consumption restricts industries from accessing quality raw materials, weakens the tanning and leather manufacturing sector, and reduces Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market.”
He added that the global leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, and with the right policies, infrastructure, and raw material supply, Nigeria could substantially expand its share of the market.Ikemounso stressed that the campaign was not intended to undermine cultural or dietary practices but to ensure that hides and skins are used productively for the nation’s industrial growth. He said, “This campaign is not against tradition or personal food preferences. It is a strategic effort to prioritise the industrial use of hides and skins, especially for leather production, which offers significant opportunities for economic expansion, job creation, and export diversification.”
He also highlighted health concerns associated with ponmo, describing it as a delicacy with very little nutritional value. He explained that it consists mainly of collagen, with minimal protein or micronutrient content, making it a poor dietary option.In addition, he warned that many hides processed for consumption are treated with harmful substances such as formalin, diesel, and other non-food-grade chemicals, posing serious health risks including organ damage and increased cancer risk.
The campaign, launched under the slogan “Wear, Not Eat Your Leather,” aims to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. The leather industry is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising non-oil sectors, with significant potential for export revenue and job creation.However, the government has repeatedly expressed concerns that the widespread consumption of ponmo is limiting the country’s ability to fully tap into the economic opportunities in the sector.
Source: https://punchng.com/
