By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has raised concerns over the widespread consumption of ponmo, warning that it could undermine the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar leather industry.
The warning came from the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, during the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo held on Thursday in Abuja.
Ikemounso explained that Nigeria’s leather and leather goods market, valued at $2.79 billion in 2024, has the potential to reach $4.96 billion by 2033 if properly developed. He warned, however, that using cowhides for food rather than industrial purposes could jeopardise this projected growth.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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.”
The RMRDC boss clarified that the government does not intend to criminalise ponmo consumption but seeks to encourage the use of hides and skins for industrial purposes, particularly leather production, which he described as crucial to economic diversification and export growth.
Beyond economic concerns, Ikemounso also highlighted the health risks associated with ponmo consumption, noting that many hides sold for food are treated with toxic substances such as formalin, diesel, and other non-food-grade chemicals.
“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,” he warned. “These pose serious health risks ranging from organ damage to increased risk of cancer.”
The RMRDC Director-General urged Nigerians to support efforts to prioritise industrial use of hides, stressing that doing so would not only protect public health but also strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global leather market.