President launches special military welfare fund, calls for nationwide support.
By Ndidi Ogenyi | Abuja, Nigeria
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including injured personnel and families of fallen soldiers.
The announcement was made on Sunday as the President marked his 74th birthday, alongside directives to establish a dedicated welfare fund.
The President said he has instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation to create a special account that will serve as a support fund for military personnel wounded in service and dependents of those who died in active duty.
According to him, the initiative is intended to recognise the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and provide additional welfare support beyond existing schemes.
“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding,” Tinubu stated.
He added that the fund will cater to injured soldiers, as well as widows, widowers, and children of fallen personnel.
Call for Broader National Support
The President called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, private sector stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the initiative once operational details are released.
He emphasised that supporting military personnel and their families should be seen as a collective national responsibility rather than an act of charity.
“We must never forget those who stand in harm’s way for our peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families,” he said.
Existing Welfare Efforts
The initiative builds on previous efforts to support military families.
During the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, more than N300 million was raised for veterans and families of fallen soldiers. The President contributed N200 million, while the National Assembly leadership and other government officials also made donations.
In addition, the Nigerian Air Force has introduced policies allowing families of personnel who die in active service to continue receiving salaries for up to 12 months or until all entitlements are processed.
The move signals a high-level commitment to military welfare and could drive broader contributions from government institutions and the private sector. If sustained, the fund may strengthen support systems for service members and their families while reinforcing public recognition of military sacrifice. CATEGORY
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