The Minister of Livestock Development, Maiha, has raised concerns over the health and economic implications of consuming ponmo (animal skin), warning that Nigerians are unknowingly “eating their jobs.”
Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing on Friday, Maiha emphasized that improper processing of ponmo poses serious health risks, calling it “poisonous” and “cancerous.” He also highlighted the economic consequences of using animal hides for consumption rather than industrial purposes.
“The hide and skin industry alone has the potential to create 700,000 jobs and contribute about N23 billion to the economy,” he stated. “But instead, we are consuming it, while our children are on the streets looking for jobs.”
Maiha also condemned unhygienic slaughtering practices, such as burning animal skin with kerosene or engine oil, labeling them dangerous and carcinogenic. He urged Nigerians to reconsider these methods for the sake of public health and economic growth.
Beyond ponmo, the minister pointed out that other animal by-products often discarded in Nigeria have significant nutritional and pharmaceutical value. He stressed the need for proper processing and exportation to boost national revenue.
Since the Ministry of Livestock Development was established in October 2024, Maiha said strategic plans have been initiated to transform the industry. Key reforms include leveraging technology to tackle cattle rustling and insecurity, as well as revamping mobile veterinary services nationwide.
“Our mandate is to diversify Nigeria’s economy, drive industrialization, and strengthen private sector participation to secure our future in the global agricultural market,” he stated.
Maiha further revealed the ministry’s ambitious goal of increasing the livestock sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 5% to 10% by 2030, laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
