Ponmo Consumption Dey Threaten $5bn Leather Industry

Di Federal Government don warn say continuous consumption of hides and skins, wey people sabi as ponmo, dey pose serious threat to Nigeria leather industry wey worth about $5bn. For di National Campaign Against di Consumption of Ponmo wey dem hold for Abuja, di Director-General of di Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, talk say di habit dey deprive local industries of vital raw materials for leather production and export. He reveal say Nigeria leather goods market wey dey valued at $2.79bn for 2024 fit grow reach $4.96bn by 2033, but di diversion of hides for ponmo fit spoil di growth. Ikemounso talk say cow hides na one of Nigeria most valuable raw materials and di leather sector get big potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings and GDP boost. He add say global leather value chain dey worth between $420bn and $1tn and with correct policy, infrastructure and raw materials, Nigeria fit increase dia share. He emphasise say di campaign no dey fight culture or food preference, but na strategic move to channel hides into productive industrial use.

Di DG come raise health and nutritional concerns, as he describe ponmo as delicacy wey no get nutritional benefit, because e mainly be collagen with negligible protein and micronutrients. He warn say many hides processed for ponmo dey treated with harmful substances like formalin, diesel and non-food-grade chemicals wey fit cause organ damage and increase cancer risk. He add say “Wear, Not Eat Your Leather” na di new slogan for di national campaign to strengthen Nigeria industrial base and reduce dependence on imported raw materials. Nigeria leather industry dey seen as one of di most promising non-oil sectors wey fit bring major export revenue and jobs, but government don repeatedly express concern say di popularity of ponmo dey hinder di country ability to fully tap di economic opportunities wey dey inside di sector.