The Federal Government has warned that the continued consumption of hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s leather industry, currently valued at about $5 billion.
Speaking at the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo held 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 vital raw materials needed for leather production and export.
Ikemounso disclosed that the Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033, warning that the continued diversion of hides for consumption could derail this growth.
He said, “From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials. Our nation possesses a vibrant leather industry with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP.
“As of 2024, the Nigerian Leather Goods Market was valued at USD 2.79 billion, with a forecast to grow to USD 4.96 billion by 2033.
“Sadly, the continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption denies our industries access to quality raw materials, weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector, and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market.”
According to him, the global leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, and with proper policy direction, infrastructure, and raw material availability, Nigeria can significantly increase its share of that market.
The DG emphasised that the campaign was not designed to undermine cultural or dietary choices but to ensure that hides and skins are channelled into productive industrial use for national benefit.
He said, “It is important to clarify that this campaign is not against tradition or personal food preference.
“Rather, it is a strategic intervention to prioritise the industrial use of hides and skins, particularly for leather production, which holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and export diversification.”
Ikemounso also raised health and nutritional concerns, describing ponmo as a delicacy with little or no nutritional benefit. He explained that it is mainly composed of collagen with negligible protein or micronutrient content, making it a poor source of nourishment.
He warned that many hides processed for consumption are treated with harmful substances such as formalin, diesel, and other non-food-grade chemicals, which pose serious health hazards, including organ damage and increased cancer risk.
“From a nutritional perspective, ponmo offers very little value. More worrisome, in many cases, hides used for ponmo are subjected to preservation and processing methods involving harmful substances such as formalin and diesel.
“These pose serious health risks ranging from organ damage to increased risk of cancer,” he said.
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council launched the campaign with the slogan “Wear, Not Eat Your Leather” as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.
Nigeria’s leather industry is regarded as one of the country’s most promising non-oil sectors, with potential to become a major source of export revenue and employment.
However, the government has repeatedly expressed concern that the popularity of ponmo among consumers has hindered the country’s ability to fully exploit the economic opportunities in the sector.
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