The Minister of Livestock Development, Maiha, has cautioned Nigerians against consuming ponmo (animal skin), warning that it poses serious health risks and undermines economic opportunities.
Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, Maiha described ponmo as “poisonous” and “cancerous” due to improper processing methods, including the use of kerosene and engine oil to burn animal skin. He urged Nigerians to reconsider these practices for the sake of public health and economic growth.
Beyond health concerns, he highlighted the economic potential of the hide and skin industry, stating that it could create 700,000 jobs and generate N23 billion in revenue. “Instead of utilizing animal hides for industrial purposes, we are consuming them while unemployment remains high,” he said.
Maiha also pointed out that other animal by-products frequently discarded in Nigeria have significant nutritional and pharmaceutical value, emphasizing the need for proper processing and exportation to boost national revenue.
Since the Ministry of Livestock Development was established in October 2024, strategic plans have been introduced to transform the sector, including technology-driven reforms to tackle cattle rustling and insecurity.
The ministry aims to increase the livestock sector’s GDP contribution from 5% to 10% by 2030, promoting sustainable economic growth and industrialization.
