The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, has warned that the consumption of cowhides and skins—commonly known as ponmo—poses serious health risks, including organ damage and an increased risk of cancer.
Speaking in Abuja during a national campaign against ponmo consumption, Professor Ikemounso highlighted that the harmful substances used in processing the delicacy, such as formalin, diesel, and other non-food-grade chemicals, are particularly dangerous.
“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 stated.
He added that ponmo provides little to no nutritional benefits, being primarily composed of collagen with insignificant protein or micronutrient content.
Beyond health concerns, the RMRDC chief emphasized the economic implications of ponmo consumption. Diverting cowhides for food reduces the raw materials available for Nigeria’s leather industry, which is valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $4.96 billion by 2033. The continued practice denies the nation an estimated $5.5 billion in potential revenue and threatens job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and overall economic growth.
“Our nation possesses a vibrant leather industry with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP. 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,” Professor Ikemounso said.
Globally, the leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion. With proper policies, infrastructure, and raw material management, Nigeria could significantly increase its market share.
The DG clarified that the campaign against ponmo is not intended to attack cultural or dietary practices, but to encourage the strategic industrial use of hides and skins for economic development.
“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,” he said.