Adamawa Turkey Trip Scandal sparks outrage as Naija Times Journalism Foundation calls for urgent investigation into misuse of scarce public resources

The Adamawa Turkey Trip Scandal has ignited strong condemnation from the Naija Times Journalism Foundation (NTJF), led by Chairman Ehi Braimah, following revelations of public funds misused by Local Government Chairmen in Adamawa State.

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The scandal revolves around the expenditure on an overseas “leadership training” trip to Turkey taken by the wives of the Local Government Chairmen.

The NTJF described this misuse of resources as both wasteful and deeply irresponsible, especially given the dire economic situation in Adamawa State.

In a statement released on 29 September 2025, Ehi Braimah stressed that the spouses of LG Chairmen are not public officials and questioned the justification for such extravagant spending.

“At a time when critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure are neglected, it is shocking that public funds were squandered on an unnecessary foreign trip,” Braimah stated.

Adamawa State, ranked as Nigeria’s fifth poorest according to the National Bureau of Statistics, continues to grapple with a poverty rate exceeding 75 percent.

The NTJF highlighted that the trip underscores a blatant disregard for public welfare amid ongoing recovery efforts from Boko Haram insurgency.

The Foundation also raised serious concerns about the lack of any budgetary allocation for the trip, branding it a violation of public finance laws and a clear example of fiscal indiscipline.

NTJF called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to urgently investigate the matter.

“This is a flagrant abuse of office,” Braimah declared. “Public trust can only be restored when officials are held accountable for such reckless behaviour.”

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The Naija Times Journalism Foundation urges all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, the media, and religious leaders, to unite in combating corruption and demanding transparency at all levels of government.