This question has been tossed around quite a bit lately, and honestly, it deserves some serious thought because the Federal Government has raised a red flag about the ongoing consumption of hides and skins, commonly known as ponmo. The idea is that by scaling back on this tasty treat, we could actually free up more hides for the leather industry. This practice according to the government is actually putting Nigeria’s leather industry, which is worth around $5 billion, at serious risk.
At a recent event in Abuja—the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo—Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, who heads the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, pointed out that this trend is robbing local businesses of critical raw materials essential for leather production and export.
He mentioned that the Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024, and it’s expected to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033. But here’s the thing: if we keep diverting hides for consumption, we might throw a wrench in that growth.
“From an economic and industrial perspective, cowhides are among Nigeria’s most valuable resources,” he said. “We’ve got a lively leather industry that holds a ton of potential for creating jobs, earning foreign exchange, and boosting our GDP.”
He also noted, “As of 2024, the market was pegged at USD 2.79 billion, with a promising forecast of reaching USD 4.96 billion by 2033.”
It’s disheartening, really. The ongoing shift of hides towards ponmo consumption is cutting off our industries from quality raw materials, which in turn weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sectors. This situation could really hamper Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market.
Ikemounso further pointed out that the worldwide leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion. With the right policies, infrastructure, and access to raw materials, Nigeria could make a significant dent in that market.
So, what exactly is ponmo? For those who might not know, it’s goat skin or cow hide that’s been processed, and it’s a staple in Nigerian cuisine enjoyed by millions of Nigeria. But here’s the kicker: while it’s delicious and all, the demand for pomo has been impacting the leather industry in ways we might not fully appreciate.
You see, Nigeria is rich in livestock. We’ve got a huge population of cattle, goats, and sheep — all potential sources for high-quality leather. But a large portion of this livestock is being turned into ponmo instead of being used to create leather goods. It’s like, we’ve got this goldmine of resources, but instead of mining it for leather products that could earn us a pretty penny, we’re kind of just nibbling away at it.
Now, let’s break it down a bit. The leather industry is a major player in global markets. Think about it — bags, shoes, jackets; all of these can be produced from the very same hides that are being sold as ponmo. If we could shift the focus, we might just tap into a lucrative market that could create jobs, boost local economies, and — let’s not forget — elevate Nigeria’s standing in international trade.
But what would it take to make this shift? Well, for starters, we’d need to educate consumers about the benefits of leather over pomo. Sure, pomo has its place in our hearts and on our plates, but leather products can provide sustainable income for families and communities. Plus, there’s something to be said for investing in a product that has longevity and can be sold at a higher price point.
Of course, this isn’t just about changing tastes. There’s a whole infrastructure to consider. We’d need better processing facilities and more skilled labor to ensure that the leather produced is of top-notch quality. You know, it’s not just about making the switch; we’d have to do it right. And that means investment — both from the government and private sectors.
Although, The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) Director-General, Mohammed Yakubu, who is also the chairman of the implementation committee of the national leather policy, mentioned that plans are underway to establish mini tanneries or factories with the right infrastructure and technology for the proper processing of hides and skin into leather in all states of the country.
“The mini tanneries would reduce consumption of hides and skin in the country, which was being done largely because the number of industries cannot mop up the excess products generated every day. Animal skin is locally known as ‘ponmo’.
“We are eating the hides and skin as ponmo because if we don’t eat it, the available industries cannot mop all the hides and skin produced,” adding that leather is a huge national resource with the potential to generate foreign exchange and massive employment”.
He further said that “Nigeria is not unknown in the area of leather products. We used to have 84 leather industries and some even have branches in Italy and Spain.
“The Nigerian leather industry had branches in Europe. We want that to come back.”
The leather industry collapsed due to poor infrastructure, as such the institute and the policy implementation committee would continue to press the Federal Government to make concessions, especially in providing cheap power, to enable industries to bounce back.
He said that for Nigeria to compete with China, Brazil or India in leather industries, there must be a cheap and regular supply.
Let’s not forget that the federal government has at different times raised health and nutritional concerns about cow hides, describing ponmo as a delicacy with little or no nutritional benefit. Ponmo is mainly composed of collagen with negligible protein or micronutrient content, making it a poor source of nourishment. Many hides processed and preserved 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.
Tradition, affordability, and preferences are what’s driving ponmo consumption.
For most Nigerians, it’s simply impossible not to eat ponmo, especially in this economic hardship. How many kilos of meat and chicken do you want to make soups that the pot won’t be empty in few days. Staying alive for low-income earners in the country doesn’t necessarily demand a complete three-square meal, so the inability to afford good food leads to the consumption of unhealthy alternatives, otherwise why will anyone want to consume something without nutrients and will still harm the body but even with little money, maintaining a hygienic diet is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, it’s about time we start to take our health seriously.
Now, some might say, “Hey, why change a tradition?” And that’s a fair point. Food is culture, and pomo is part of that fabric. But it’s also about balance, isn’t it? We can still enjoy our beloved pomo while also carving out space for a robust leather industry. It’s not an either-or situation.
It should be noted that Ikemounso has also emphasised that the campaign was not designed to undermine cultural or dietary choices but to ensure that hides and skins are channeled 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.”
Let’s also think about the environmental angle. Over-reliance on livestock for one single product can lead to overgrazing and degradation of land. Diversifying how we use these resources could, in fact, lead to more sustainable practices. The leather industry, when done responsibly, can be part of a circular economy that minimizes waste.
It doesn’t also look like the government is serious and ready otherwise something would have been done about the continued availability of ponmo in markets. If ponmo is that economically viable as they say and not good for our health, there should be a complete ban and also ensure ponmo is intercepted and prevented from being available in markets but despite all warnings, ponmo continues to thrive in all our markets.
In the end, the question isn’t just about cutting down on pomo. It’s about re-envisioning how we view our livestock resources. Can we find a way to enjoy our traditions while also embracing new opportunities? Would Nigerians be willing to cut back on something they love for the sake of boosting an industry? Honestly, it’s a complex issue and a balancing act for sure but if we approach it with creativity and intention, we might just see a revitalization of the leather industry that benefits everyone involved.
So, what do you think? Is it possible to strike that balance? It’s definitely worth considering.