The Federal Government has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s widespread consumption of cowhide, popularly known as ponmo, warning that the practice is draining the country’s leather industry valued at over $5 billion.
The alarm was sounded by the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, during the National Campaign Against Ponmo Consumption held on Thursday in Abuja.
Ikemounso said the continuous diversion of hides for food poses a major threat to the nation’s leather sector—one of Nigeria’s most promising non-oil industries with the potential for massive job creation, export revenue, and economic growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand to $4.96 billion by 2033. However, he warned that this growth could be jeopardized if cowhides remain largely consumed rather than channelled into industrial production.
“From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials,” he said. “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.”
Ikemounso also highlighted that the global leather value chain is estimated at between $420 billion and $1 trillion annually. With adequate policy support, infrastructure development and steady raw material supply, Nigeria could significantly increase its share of this lucrative market, he added.
He clarified that the campaign was not aimed at undermining cultural or dietary preferences but at promoting the strategic industrial use of hides and skins for national economic benefit.
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