On whether there would be an increase in the availability of animal hides if the consumption of ponmo stops, Tijani said, “Whether they consume it or not, they cannot consume all and we cannot take it all so it doesn’t have any effect on the business. That is why apart from the mechanised factory, there are still traditional and local tanneries.”
Mahileather stated, “Cow hide is by far one of the most popular leathers today. As it is a by-product of the meat and dairy industry, it is widely available worldwide but it is also considered one of the most durable and desirable leathers. Cow hide is much heavier than other sources of leather weighing in at between one and 12 ounces and is, therefore, a much better choice for jackets, coats and furniture as it is much sturdier.
He further stated that such practice was affecting the contribution of local manufacturers to the economy. He called on the Federal Government for a private partnership that would help provide machines to cobblers at a discounted rate or one that would be paid in installments. He added that such a move would serve as a motivation for more leather workers and in the same vein, contribute to the growth of the economy.
Williams, on the one hand, stated that he had a 50-50 per cent usage of both Nigerian and imported leather in production, adding that the local leather was the real long-lasting. Haruna said, “The tanners in the country prefer to export their finished or unfinished product abroad for no other reason other than the exchange rate would favour export. Due to the weak naira, when one exports products, one would make a higher profit margin and one wouldn’t blame anyone for doing that because the backbone of any venture is to make a profit.are giving us serious challenges. If the tanners agree to sell internally, we would have excesses.