Government sets to ban sale of 'Pónmó'

Federal Government may have concluded plans to ban sale and widespread consumption of hides and skins (Ponmo), which is a delicacy to most Nigerians.

This indication emerged Tuesday  when the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr.Akinwunmi Adesina called for competent regulations that would check the consumption and sale of the product.

He said this at the 3rd joint anniversary of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) and Nigeria Institute of Animal Science held at the University of Ibadan.

If this is achieved, he noted that livestock farmers would stand good chances of making high dollar return if the hides and skins are tanned into leather.

The minister who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Animal Production and Husbandry in the Ministry, Dr. Ademola Raji, said,

      "I also commend NIAS for its
       advocacy and public
       enlightenment programs on
       Radio and Television that
       promote value addition in
       Livestock, as against sale and
       consumption of primary
       products alone, particularly
       with the issue of curtailing the
       widespread consumption of
       hides and skins as Kpomo
       which ought to be tanned
       into leather for a very high
       dollar return to the farmer and
       Tanneries."

      "I expect that competent
       regulations acceptable by all
       stakeholders will be developed
       so as to give credibility that
       our set standards for food
       safety are being implemented
       which will boost value addition.”