President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that he will donate all his salaries since assuming office to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including wounded personnel and families of fallen soldiers.
The President made the disclosure on Sunday in a personally signed statement to commemorate his 74th birthday, describing the move as part of his commitment to strengthening welfare support for military personnel.
Tinubu said he had directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account to manage the initiative, which will serve as a special intervention fund for servicemen and women injured in the line of duty, as well as the families of those who lost their lives defending the nation.
“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces,” the President stated.
“Today, I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for a fund dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price.
“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding, irrespective of existing insurance and welfare schemes for members of our armed forces. This fund will directly support those who have lost their limbs, and the widows, widowers, and children of those who laid down their lives in service to our dear country,” he added.
The President emphasised that the initiative is not intended to replace existing insurance and welfare schemes but to complement them and provide additional direct assistance to beneficiaries.
He also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders to contribute to the fund once the account details are made public.
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“I call on our Governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, my friends and all well-wishers to support this initiative. Details of the account will be made available in due course,” Tinubu said.
Describing support for military personnel as a collective obligation, the President noted: “We must never forget those who stand in harm’s way for our peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families. This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfil it.”
The announcement comes as the President marked his 74th birthday and thanked Nigerians for their goodwill, prayers, and continued support, which he said strengthens his administration’s resolve.
In recent years, the Nigerian military and government have implemented various measures to enhance welfare support for veterans, injured personnel, and families of fallen soldiers.
During the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, over N300 million was raised to support military veterans and bereaved families. President Tinubu contributed N200 million to the Nigerian Legion.
At the same event, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, led the National Assembly in donating N100 million, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, donated N20 million.
In addition, the Nigerian Air Force has introduced policies to provide financial relief to families of fallen personnel. Under a directive approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, families of officers who die in active service are entitled to continue receiving the deceased officer’s salary for up to 12 months or until all benefits are fully processed.
Tinubu’s latest initiative is expected to further reinforce ongoing efforts aimed at improving the welfare and morale of Nigeria’s armed forces and their families.