President Bola Tinubu has pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office in May 2023 to a newly established welfare fund for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and their families.
Tinubu made the announcement in a personally signed statement on Sunday to mark his 74th birthday.
“On this, my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces,” he said. “I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price.”
He added that his salaries since taking office would serve as seed funding for the initiative, regardless of existing insurance and welfare schemes.
“This fund will directly support personnel who have lost limbs, as well as the widows, widowers, and children of those who laid down their lives in service to our country,” the president said.
Tinubu called on political leaders, the private sector, and Nigerians to support the initiative, describing care for soldiers and their families as a national obligation.
“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 a duty,” he added.
The president recalled that on December 2, 2025, he launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem and appeal fund at the State House, Abuja, where ₦320 million was raised, including his personal donation of ₦200 million. He also unveiled the “Thank a Soldier” digital platform and announced plans to deploy retired military personnel to secure ungoverned areas.
Tinubu opted for a low-key celebration of his birthday, citing the prevailing national mood and ongoing economic reforms, although he has received goodwill messages from governors across the country.
