Danger: Agency Lists Chemical Nigerians Consume In Ponmo

There is fire on the mountain: it has been revealed the chemicals that Nigerians gulp in each time they consume hides and skin, commonly called ponmo

This startling revelation is coming from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), a federal government parastatal.

Its Director-General  Professor Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, gave the warning against ponmo consumption for the untempt time, today, during a national campaign against ponmo consumption.

He said that aside that high rate of consumption of hides and skin denies domestic industries raw materials needed for leather production and export, but that even more dangerous is the danger which processing such raw materials imbues them with

“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 mentioned hides processed for consumption pose serious health hazards, including organ damage and an increased risk of cancer, because they are treated with formalin, diesel, and other non-food-grade chemicals.

According to the DG, ponmo lacked nutritional benefits for consumers, but instead, mainly consists of collagen with insignificant protein or micronutrient content.

Giving a clear illustration of the direct financial costs of the penchant by Nigerians to consume hides and skin, Ikemounso was costing the country an estimated $ 5.5 billion in potential revenue for the leather industry.

The RMRDC boss emphasised that this practice deprives domestic industries of the necessary raw materials required for leather production and export.

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According to Ikemounso, the Nigerian leather goods market was estimated to be worth $2.79 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033.

“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.”

The DG, who identified cowhides as one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials, further warned that continued diversion of hides for consumption could disrupt economic growth.

Providing a global perspective to the trade in hides and skin, the DG estimated the value chain to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion.

He emphasised that the campaign was not designed to undermine Nigerians’ cultural or dietary preferences but to ensure that the products are directed into productive industrial use for economic benefit.