“It’s Dangerous for Now”: Details Emerge as FG Tells Nigerians to Stop Eating Ponmo

• The federal ministry of agriculture and rural development has raised a fresh alarm concerning ponmo consumption
• FG alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of Anthrax disease in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region
• With the development, the ministry strongly advised Nigerians to desist from the consumption of ponmo

FCT, Abuja - The federal government on Monday, June 12, raised the alarm over a deadly virus outbreak.

In the statement, the FG said cow skin, locally called "ponmo", is dangerous at the moment, Daily Trust reported.

Ponmo consumption linked to Anthrax disease

The FG’s alert was contained in a statement by the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development, TVC News also reported.

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Apart from ponmo, the FG also strongly advised Nigerians to halt consuming smoked meat and bush meat.

Authorities said the alert became necessary following the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring West African countries.

A statement signed by the permanent secretary (PS) of the ministry, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, reads in part:

“Signs of anthrax are flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.”

Dangerous ponmo imported into Nigeria, NAFDAC raises alarm, reveals location of product

In a piece of related news, Legit.ng reported that according to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), about 120 tons of chemical-laden ponmo were imported into Nigeria.

The director-general of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who made the disclosure recently stated that samples of the harmful product have been taken to the agency's laboratories for testing.

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FG plans to ban ponmo, says it has no nutrition for Nigerians

Legit.ng also reported that in a move that will likely annoy many people, the federal government said it is proposing legislation to ban the consumption of animal skin, locally known as ponmo, in the country.

According to the federal government, this will help in reviving tanneries.

Truckload of substandard ponmo arrives Nigeria as Rivers govt makes discovery

In another news, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians are at the mercy of criminal-minded entrepreneurs who are bent on making money at all costs.

This is the case of some arrested people who were caught with a truckload of suspected substandard animal hide, popularly called ponmo.

Source: Legit.ng