In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s livestock industry, the Federal Government has warned Nigerians against consuming hides and skin, popularly known as ponmo, due to its potential health risks.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, issued the advisory, citing scientifically proven health implications associated with the consumption of the animal byproduct. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring food safety and enhancing the livestock sector’s contribution to the economy.
As part of sweeping reforms, the minister revealed plans to establish standardized abattoirs nationwide, ensuring that every part of slaughtered animals is fully utilized for human consumption and other developmental purposes. “In the animal kingdom, there is no waste,” he remarked, underscoring the government’s vision for a more sustainable livestock sector.
Maiha further disclosed that a significant portion of the ministry’s 2025 capital expenditure would be directed toward livestock infrastructure development. This includes modern farms, ranches, veterinary clinics, processing facilities, grazing reserves, and disease control programs aimed at improving productivity and ensuring a more structured industry.
The minister highlighted the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy 2025-2030 (NLGAS 25), an ambitious initiative designed to transform the sector. Under this plan, the government aims to expand the livestock industry’s contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.
According to Maiha, this will position Nigeria as a key player in the global animal protein market, competing with livestock powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.
10 Strategic Pillars for Growth
The NLGAS 25 blueprint is built on ten critical pillars, including:
Livestock Value Chain Development
Animal Health and Zoonoses Control
Feed & Fodder Improvement
Water Resources Management
Finance and Insurance for Farmers
These strategies, Maiha noted, are aimed at boosting production, strengthening food security, improving sector governance, and ensuring inclusivity within the livestock industry.
With these reforms, the Nigerian government hopes to modernize the livestock sector, safeguard public health, and unlock the full economic potential of animal farming in the country.
PIONEER NEWS 