The Federal Government has warned that the continued consumption of hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s leather industry, currently valued at about $5 billion.

Speaking at the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo held on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, said the practice deprives local industries of vital raw materials needed for leather production and export.

Ikemounso disclosed that the Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033, warning that the continued diversion of hides for consumption could derail this growth.

He said, “From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials. Our nation possesses a vibrant leather industry with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP.

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“As of 2024, the Nigerian Leather Goods Market was valued at USD 2.79 billion, with a forecast to grow to USD 4.96 billion by 2033.

“Sadly, the continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption denies our industries access to quality raw materials, weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector, and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market.”

According to him, the global leather value chain is estimated to be worth between $420 billion and $1 trillion, and with proper policy direction, infrastructure, and raw material availability, Nigeria can significantly increase its share of that market.

The DG emphasised that the campaign was not designed to undermine cultural or dietary choices but to ensure that hides and skins are channelled into productive industrial use for national benefit.

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He said, “It is important to clarify that this campaign is not against tradition or personal food preference.

“Rather, it is a strategic intervention to prioritise the industrial use of hides and skins, particularly for leather production, which holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and export diversification.”

Ikemounso also raised health and nutritional concerns, describing ponmo as a delicacy with little or no nutritional benefit. He explained that it is mainly composed of collagen with negligible protein or micronutrient content, making it a poor source of nourishment.

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He warned that many hides processed for consumption are treated with harmful substances such as formalin, diesel, and other non-food-grade chemicals, which pose serious health hazards, including organ damage and increased cancer risk.

“From a nutritional perspective, ponmo offers very little value. More worrisome, in many cases, hides used for ponmo are subjected to preservation and processing methods involving harmful substances such as formalin and diesel.

“These pose serious health risks ranging from organ damage to increased risk of cancer,” he said.

At least three Nigerians have been arrested in the Mwaliko Estate, Mwea Town, Kenya, on allegations of cyber fraud.

A report by Tuko News, a Kenyan digital news platform, revealed that the suspects were apprehended by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Wednesday.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwe.

According to the report on Thursday, the trio were flushed out of their apartment after members of the public raised concerns about suspicious late-night activities in the building.

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The DCI confirmed the arrests, stating that they occurred during “a multi-agency raid targeting a cyber fraud ring” in the area.

The report quoted the DCI as saying: “Three Nigerian nationals nabbed in Kirinyaga multi-agency raid. A well-coordinated multi-agency raid in Mwaliko Estate within Mwea town has blown the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring operated by three Nigerian nationals.”

The suspects, who claimed to be running an online business, were said to be living in Kenya illegally and lacked valid work permits.

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This arrest is part of a broader trend of Nigerians being apprehended abroad for various criminal activities, including cyber fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

In June 2023, Kenyan police arrested 19 Nigerians in Nairobi for engaging in electronic fraud targeting Kenyans.

According to the DCI, the men, aged between 19 and 33, used social media to initiate their scam, swindling unsuspecting Kenyans under the guise of offering goods deliveries from abroad.

“The fraudsters start by befriending you on social media (Facebook), and once you accept the friend request, they initiate a friendly chat that promises the victim goodies to be sent through DHL at the airport,” the DCI explained.

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss at least the opening game of the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for violent conduct during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

As reported by ESPN on Thursday, the Al Nassr forward was shown a yellow card initially in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea.

Still, after a review via VAR, the referee upgraded the decision to a red card. It was Ronaldo’s first red card for Portugal in his 226th international appearance, setting a record in men’s football, though he has been sent off 13 times at club level.

Following FIFA disciplinary rules, Ronaldo faces a mandatory one-match ban in competitive fixtures.

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The regulations state that violent conduct could result in a ban of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”

The ban would apply to competitive games and cannot be served in pre-tournament friendlies.

Portugal went into the game knowing a win would secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but two goals from Troy Parrott stunned the visitors.

Despite the loss, Portugal still leads Hungary by two points in Group F, meaning a win against Armenia on Sunday will ensure Ronaldo reaches his sixth World Cup.

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Before the game, Ronaldo acknowledged the challenge of playing at the Aviva Stadium, where he expected to face boos from Irish fans.

He said, “I really like the fans here. The support they give to the national team it’s lovely. For me, it’s a pleasure to come and play here again. Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.”

After being sent off, Ronaldo was seen reacting to the crowd’s jeers with a wry expression, clapping his hands and giving two thumbs up in a gesture interpreted as sarcastic.

Ronaldo’s red card came after previous controversies with Irish fans, including accusations in the reverse fixture of having undue influence over the match official when Rúben Neves scored a last-minute winner against Ireland.