Imported Hides and Skin Diversion: A Threat to Public Health and Food Safety in Nigeria

Abstract

Africa is in short supply of protein due to poverty and cultural practices, which in
turn encourage demand and consumption of other meat products such as hides and
skin. International trade in hides and skin is more valuable than that of meat.
Importation of hides and skin into Nigeria is estimated to cost over 111.8 billion
naira between 2018 and 2022. This study was conducted to find out the volume
of imported hides and skin within the second quarter of 2024, establish if these
imported hides and skin are being diverted for consumption purposes and the
public health implications. A scheduled visit was conducted to selected terminals
at the major seaport in Lagos, Nigeria to witness the examination of hides and
skin. Data on the volume of importation of hides and skin was also obtained from
relevant government agencies present at the seaport. A visit to Ijebu-Igbo was also
embarked upon to ascertain the chain of distribution of some imported hides and
skin. Results showed an increased volume of hides and skin being imported into
Nigeria. This also shows an increased investment in this sector. The hides and
skin being imported into Nigeria are imported without a permit. Imported Hides
and skin were found to be diverted to different processors located in Ijebu-Igbo.
This is then processed and redistributed all across Nigeria. Consumption of such
uncertified hides and skin has public health implications. Unhealthy hides are a
medium for the spread of zoonotic diseases such as foot and mouth disease,
anthrax and lumpy skin disease. The consumption also exposes consumers to the
chemicals used to process these hides. Although the government, concerned
organizations and individuals have mounted a campaign against the habit of hides
and skin consumption, consumption is still on the rise and this poses threat to the
leather manufacturing industry. An effective monitoring system should be out in
place to prevent continuous diversion.