‘Ponmo production process poisonous’ — minister says plans to revamp livestock sector ongoing

Idi Maiha, minister of livestock development, says the processing of producing hide and skin, also known as ponmo in Nigeria, is carcinogenic and poisonous.

Carcinogens are substances that may increase the risk of cancer.

Maiha spoke on Friday at the commencement of the 2025 ministerial press briefing.

The minister said apart from poor processing of ponmo, which is poisonous for consumption,  Nigerians are also “eating their jobs”.

“The hide and skin alone can create 700,000 jobs, about N23 billion value to tye economy,” he said.

“Also, our slaughter process, where we cut the cow’s neck and put kerosene on top of the skin to burn it, is carcinogenic.

“Or use engine oil to burn the skin and scrape it because we feel that we want to pull off the skin, that is not hygienic, it is cancerous, it is dangerous. 

“Ask scientists about this, it is poisonous, it is poisonous cancer. Let’s put it that way.

“So therefore, we are in a position to think that some of these practices are what we want to bring to the fore front, so that people can know that we are actually eating our own jobs by eating the skin. 

“We are eating our own jobs, when we have our children working on the street, looking for jobs.”

Maiha also said other parts of animals regarded as waste in Nigeria, have nutritional value as they can be properly processed and exported for pharmaceutical use, thereby improving Nigeria’s revenue.

The minister further said although the ministry is quite new since it was created in October 2024, plans have been put in place to transform the country’s livestock industry.

According to Maiha, the ministry, through technologies, has initiated reforms to end cattle rustling and major insecurity challenges faced by herders.

He added that the process to revamp the ambulatories across the country has commenced.

“We are here to diversify the Nigerian economy, drive industrialisation, strengthen private sector participation, and secure Nigeria’s future on global agriculture market,” he added.

“We have laid the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Maiha also said the goal of the ministry is to become a major contributor to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) from 5 percent to 10 percent by 2030.