The Federal Government cautions Nigerians against eating ponmo.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, has urged Nigerians to refrain from consuming hides and skin (ponmo) due to health risks.

Maiha emphasized that scientific evidence has linked the consumption of this animal product to various health concerns.

He also outlined plans to establish standard abattoirs nationwide to ensure the full utilization of livestock for both human consumption and economic development. He stressed that in the livestock industry, "nothing goes to waste."

The minister further stated that a significant portion of the ministry’s capital budget for the 2025 fiscal year would be allocated to enhancing livestock infrastructure. This includes the development of modern farms, ranches, veterinary clinics, processing facilities, grazing reserves, and disease control initiatives.

Additionally, he highlighted that these investments would support key projects aimed at increasing productivity and creating a more structured livestock sector. Under the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy 2025-2030 (NLGAS 25), the ministry aims to expand the sector’s contribution to GDP from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035, making Nigeria a competitive player in both domestic and global animal protein markets—alongside leading producers such as Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.

The minister outlined the strategy’s 10 key pillars, which include Livestock Value Chain Development, Animal Health and Zoonoses Control, Feed & Fodder, Water Resources Management, and Finance and Insurance. These initiatives are designed to enhance production, improve animal health, strengthen food security, foster inclusivity, and ensure effective governance within the sector.

Source: punchng.com