‘Ponmo’ Consumers Risk Organ Damage, Cancer, Says RMRDC Boss

The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, on Thursday, warned that the harmful substances used in the processing of cowhides and skin, commonly referred to as ponmo, pose an increased risk of organ damage and cancer to consumers.

Professor Ikemounso stated this in Abuja on Thursday during the national campaign against ponmo consumption, saying the practice denies domestic industries of the required raw materials needed for leather production and export.

Highlighting the processing of ponmo for delicacy, Ikemounso warned that many hides processed for consumption are treated with formalin, diesel, and other non-food-grade chemicals, which pose serious health hazards, including organ damage and an increased risk of cancer.

“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 said.

Ikemounso added that ponmo lacked nutritional benefits for consumers, explaining that it mainly consists of collagen with insignificant protein or micronutrient content.

Ikemounso also stressed the economic importance of ponmo, disclosing that its continued consumption denies Nigeria 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.

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.

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.

“Our nation possesses a vibrant leather industry with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP,” the DG said.

He added, “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.”

On the global scene, Ikemounso revealed that the global leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, noting that with proper policy direction, infrastructure, and raw material availability, Nigeria can significantly increase its share of that market.

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.

“It is important to clarify that this campaign is not against tradition or personal food preference. Rather, it is a strategic intervention to prioritise the industrial use of hides and skins, particularly for leather production, which holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and export diversification,” the DG said.