By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to donate all salaries earned since assuming office in May 2023 to a newly created Armed Forces Welfare Fund, in a move aimed at supporting military personnel and their families.
The President made the announcement in a personally signed statement on Sunday to mark his 74th birthday, describing members of the Nigerian Armed Forces as “valiant men and women” who continue to make sacrifices for the nation’s security.
According to him, the fund will cater to soldiers wounded in the line of duty, as well as families of fallen personnel, including widows, widowers, and children.
Tinubu said he had directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account for the initiative, noting that his salary contributions would serve as seed funding for the scheme.
“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,” the President stated.
He explained that the intervention would specifically target personnel who have sustained life-altering injuries, including loss of limbs, while also providing sustained support for dependents of those who died in active service.
The President further called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, private sector operators, and other Nigerians to contribute to the fund, stressing that supporting the Armed Forces is a collective national responsibility.
“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,” he said.
This follows previous contributions made to the military welfare by the President. In December 2025, he donated ₦200 million to the Armed Forces Remembrance Day appeal fund and launched initiatives aimed at enhancing security, including a programme to engage retired military personnel in securing vulnerable areas.
Further details on the structure and operation of the welfare fund are expected to be released by the relevant authorities in the coming days.