The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, has advised Nigerians to desist from the consumption of hides and skin, (ponmo), citing health concerns.
Maiha noted that there were proven health implications associated with the consumption of the animal product.The minister revealed plans to have standard abattoirs across the country, where every part of the animal would be utilised for both human consumption and developmental needs, stressing that “in animal kingdom, there is no waste.
”The minister added that a substantial part of the ministry’s capital expenditure for the 2025 fiscal year would be dedicated to developing livestock infrastructure, including modern farms and ranches.
He stated that other areas of focus include veterinary clinics, processing facilities, grazing reserves, and disease control programmes.
“It will also fund key projects that improve productivity and ensure a more structured livestock industry,” he added. Under its Development of Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy 2025-2030 (NLGAS 25), the minister projected expansion of the livestock sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035, “positioning itself as a key player in both domestic and international markets for animal protein, similar to leading producers like Brazil, Argentina and the United States.
