Lagos Shoemakers Association Chairman, Adepoju Urges Controlled Ponmo Consumption to Save Nigeria’s Leather Industry”

Adepoju Abiola Ezekiel is the Director of Abiol Shoes and he has been a shoemaker for over 20 years. He has faced numerous challenges in the footwear industry. Now the President of the Shoemakers Association in Lagos State, which boasts over 200 members, Adepoju speaks with DAYO EMMANUEL about the impact of the economy on the industry, the government’s proposed ban on ponmo (a leather delicacy), the ongoing support from the Lagos State government in terms of training and empowerment for shoemakers.

Excerpts:

How long have you been in the shoemaking industry?

I’ve been in the footwear industry for nearly 22 years. For me, it’s been quite a journey. Initially, I never thought I’d be a shoemaker—I wanted to be a lawyer. But after secondary school, instead of staying idle, I moved to Lagos from Ibadan. There, I often sat with shoemakers near my residence, running errands for them. Eventually, I decided to learn the trade. That was in 1996, and by 1998, I completed my training. Afterward, I attended the National Institute of Hospitality, Transport, and Tourism in Lagos, did my internship, and realized the trade was where I truly belonged. Since then, God has been helping me in this industry.

How is the current economy affecting the shoemaking industry?

The economy has had a significant impact. Most of the materials we use, such as gum, leather, and soles, are imported. With the current exchange rates, the prices of these materials have skyrocketed. What used to cost ₦10,000 now goes for over ₦12,000, making production more expensive.

Why don’t we produce enough leather in Nigeria, which would make it more affordable?

We actually do produce leather in Nigeria. We have good tanneries in Kano and Kaduna. However, these tanneries prefer to export their products to earn foreign exchange, especially since we can’t buy in the large quantities they prefer. The government has been working with us to see how the tanneries can start selling to local manufacturers directly, and hopefully, this will improve.

Sandal sample from Abiol factory

The government at some point proposed a ban on ponmo consumption. How does ponmo eating affect the shoemaking industry?

Yes, ponmo consumption affects our industry significantly, though many people don’t realize it. Last year, we had a summit with the federal government and the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Technical Technology to address this. The rate at which ponmo is consumed is alarming, and it offers no real nutritional value. We’re urging abattoirs to minimize the consumption of leather. While we understand that we can’t stop ponmo consumption overnight, it’s important to reduce it to preserve our leather for industrial use.

Adepoju and some of his past apprentices

Do we have enough animals in Nigeria to meet the demands of the leather industry?

Yes, we do, especially in the northern parts of Nigeria. We have enough livestock to produce sufficient leather, but a large portion is consumed as ponmo rather than being processed for shoemaking and other leather products.

If ponmo is banned, what will the less privileged eat, especially with the rising costs of other protein sources like beef and chicken?

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That’s exactly why we can’t stop ponmo consumption immediately. Instead, we advocate for controlled and managed consumption. We need to strike a balance between preserving leather for industrial use and ensuring the poor still have affordable protein options.

Tell us about your association.

I’m the newly elected Chairman of the Lagos State Shoemakers Association. We haven’t had our inauguration yet, but it’s scheduled for December. Our association is under the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. The association plays a crucial role in connecting shoemakers to government benefits and programs. Without being part of an association, it’s almost impossible to access support from the government. When we speak with one voice, we get the attention of the government at local, state, and federal levels.

How many members does your association currently have?

We have about 200 members, but there are many more shoemakers in Lagos. Joining the association is voluntary, so we’re continuously campaigning to get more people to join so they can benefit from the opportunities we offer, including training programs and empowerment schemes.

You mentioned trainings. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, we’ve been receiving training from the Lagos State government for the past seven years. These trainings help our members learn new skills and grow their businesses. I must commend the state government, especially Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his support of tradesmen and artisans in Lagos.

How do you plan to bring in more shoemakers who aren’t yet part of your association?

We’re actively sensitizing those who aren’t yet members. We explain that being part of an association is the easiest way to benefit from government programs. Myself and my executive team are working on a plan to reach out to shoemakers across Lagos. We have 20 zones in the state, and we’ll start from the Island, then move to the Mainland. We also have a partnership with Jordan FM, where we get weekly airtime to promote the association.

What advice do you have for Nigerians, especially the youth?

My advice to the youth is to pursue vocational training alongside their academic qualifications. This will help them create job opportunities for themselves and others. Parents should also encourage their children to acquire vocational skills—it’s a great way to secure their future and contribute to society.

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