FG to Curb 'Ponmo' Consumption with New Leather Factories Nationwide

The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) has announced plans to establish mini tanneries or factories in each of the country's 36 states.

This initiative aims to process hides and skins into leather, thereby addressing both industrial and dietary challenges.

Mohammed Yakubu, NILEST’s director-general and chairman of the national leather policy implementation committee, emphasized the importance of this development.

"Nigeria is not unknown in the area of leather products," he stated, recalling the country's past prominence in the global leather market, with industries that once had branches in Italy and Spain.

However, the sector has suffered due to poor infrastructure, particularly the high cost of power, which accounts for over 50% of production expenses.

Yakubu highlighted the need for affordable power to enable Nigeria to compete with countries like China, Brazil, and India in the leather industry.

"We must provide cheap power to our industries, particularly the leather industries," he urged, noting that the lack of sufficient processing facilities has led to the widespread consumption of ponmo.

"We are eating the hides and skin as ponmo because if we don’t eat it, the available industries cannot mop all the hides and skin produced in Nigeria," he explained.

The establishment of these mini tanneries is expected to process between one to five tonnes of leather weekly, providing a sustainable solution to utilize surplus hides.

Yakubu also acknowledged the potential impact on those currently engaged in selling ponmo, stating, "We are aware that if people stop eating Kpomo, those engaged in selling it will go out of business."