The Federal Government hinted plans to ban the consumption of animal skin, locally known as “ponmo’, in the country to revive the leather industry.
Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Zaria, Muhammad Yakubu disclosed the plan.
NILEST was set up to promote leather production as provided in the Agricultural Research Institute Act of 1975.
The institute conducts research the production and products of leather and the utilisation of local tanning materials in the country.
Yakubu, who said the litigation was necessary to revive the comatose leather industry in the country, said the habit of eating animal skin, which has no nutritional value, should be stopped to save the industry and boost the nation’s economy.
The Director-General added that the institute, in collaboration with stakeholders in the industry, would approach the national assembly and state governments to bring out legislation banning “ponmo” consumption.
