Nigeria’s Leather Industry Loses $5 Billion Annually to Ponmo Consumption — FG

The Federal Government has raised concerns that the continued consumption of hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s leather industry, which is currently valued at about $5 billion.

The warning was issued by 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.

Prof. Ikemounso explained that the widespread consumption of hides deprives local industries of essential raw materials required for leather production and export.

According to him, the Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033. However, he cautioned that the continued diversion of hides for food purposes could derail this growth potential.

“From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials. Our nation has a vibrant leather industry with immense potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and GDP contribution,” Ikemounso stated.

He lamented that the persistent use of hides for ponmo weakens the country’s tanning and leather manufacturing sectors, reducing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

The RMRDC boss further noted that the global leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, emphasizing that with the right policies, infrastructure, and access to raw materials, Nigeria could significantly expand its share of that market.

Ikemounso clarified that the campaign was not intended to undermine cultural or dietary practices, but rather to encourage the productive industrial use of hides and skins for the nation’s economic growth.