The Federal Government has sounded a warning over the increasing consumption of ponmo, or cow hides and skins, citing serious threats to Nigeria’s $5 billion leather industry.
Speaking at the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo in Abuja on Thursday, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), said diverting hides for consumption deprives local industries of essential raw materials for leather production and export.
“The Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033,” Ikemounso stated. “Continued diversion of hides for ponmo consumption weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sectors and undermines Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.”
He described cowhides as one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials, capable of driving job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and GDP growth. With proper policies, infrastructure, and raw material management, Nigeria could expand its share of the global leather market, valued between $420 billion and $1 trillion.
Ikemounso emphasized that the campaign is not aimed at challenging cultural traditions or personal dietary choices, but rather to ensure hides are used for industrial purposes that benefit the nation.
“This campaign is a strategic intervention to prioritise industrial use of hides and skins, particularly for leather production, which has enormous potential for economic growth, job creation, and export diversification,” he said.
The DG also raised concerns over the health implications of consuming ponmo, noting its limited nutritional value. He explained that ponmo is primarily collagen, offering minimal protein or micronutrients, and is often processed using harmful chemicals such as formalin and diesel, which can cause organ damage and increase the risk of cancer.
“From a nutritional perspective, ponmo provides very little benefit. More concerning, many hides processed for consumption are treated with harmful substances like formalin and diesel, posing serious health risks, including organ damage and higher cancer risk,” he warned.
The campaign aims to protect public health while promoting the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s leather industry.