Nigeria loses N23bn, 700,000 jobs annually to Hide and Skin consumption – Minister

By Soni Daniel, Abuja

The widespread consumption of hide and skin, commonly known as ‘gbomo,’ is costing Nigeria at least N23 billion annually and depriving the country of approximately 700,000 jobs, according to the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha.

Speaking at the ministerial briefing in Abuja on Friday, Maiha highlighted the economic and health risks associated with the practice. He warned that the methods used in processing and consuming animal skin could lead to cancer, urging Nigerians to reconsider their dietary habits.

The minister unveiled an ambitious plan to expand Nigeria’s livestock market from its current $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035. He outlined the sector’s expected contributions to the national economy between 2025 and 2030, positioning Nigeria as a key player in both domestic and international markets alongside global leaders such as Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.

Maiha stated that the ministry’s primary objectives include: Boosting livestock production, Improving animal health, Enhancing food security, Promoting inclusivity in the sector and Strengthening governance and regulations

The minister further announced that Nigeria has forged strategic partnerships with international investors, agencies, and diplomatic missions to secure technical expertise, financing, and investment in the livestock industry. Partner countries include Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

According to Maiha, these collaborations will focus on opportunities in meat processing, dairy production, animal health, feed production, and cold-chain logistics.

“These partnerships will be instrumental in positioning Nigeria as a regional and global hub for livestock production and export,” he stated.

At the event, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the ministerial briefing serves as a platform to showcase the achievements of the Tinubu administration across various economic sectors.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the second edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series. As you may recall, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, I inaugurated this year’s series by highlighting key successes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Idris said.

He highlighted that the Ministries of Livestock Development and Regional Development were recently established by President Tinubu to harness the potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry and drive regional development across the country.

“The Ministry of Livestock Development was created in July 2024 to transform Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar livestock potential into real economic prosperity, while the Ministry of Regional Development was established in October 2024 to oversee regional development commissions. Both ministries have hit the ground running, and today’s briefing provides an opportunity to showcase their progress,” he added.

The ministerial session reaffirmed the government’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry, promoting sustainable development, and creating jobs.