The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha has again raised the alarm over the hazardous processing techniques in processing ponmo, warning that the methods pose severe health risks, including cancer.
At the 2025 ministerial press briefing in Abuja, Maiha notedthat the widespread use of kerosene and engine oil to burn animal hides is not only unhygienic but also dangerous for human consumption. He described the practice as a silent health crisis, urging Nigerians to reconsider their consumption of improperly processed ponmo.
“Carcinogens are substances that increase the risk of cancer, and we are essentially consuming cancerous materials through improper ponmo processing,” he stated.
Beyond the health implications, Maiha highlighted the economic potential of properly handled hide and skin. He noted that the industry could generate up to 700,000 jobs and contribute an estimated N23 billion to the Nigerian economy if better processing methods were adopted.
The minister also outlined broader reforms in the livestock sector aimed at tackling security challenges faced by herders, boosting private sector investment, and enhancing Nigeria’s footprint in global agricultural markets.
He pointed out that animal by-products traditionally considered waste—such as bones and organs—could be processed and exported for pharmaceutical purposes, creating new revenue streams for the country.
As part of the long-term strategy, the ministry is working to increase its contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, from 5 percent to 10 percent by 2030. Ongoing reforms include revamping veterinary services and modernizing slaughterhouses to ensure safer meat processing.
“We are laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth in the livestock sector,” Maiha assured, emphasizing the government’s commitment to revitalizing the industry, improving food security, and creating jobs.
Crediblenewsng.com
