President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the establishment of a dedicated welfare fund to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including personnel wounded in the line of duty and families of fallen soldiers.
The President made the announcement on Sunday to mark his 74th birthday, describing the initiative as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of military personnel.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu has directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to create a special account for the fund to ensure structured and targeted disbursement.
“The President has directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for the fund, which will provide targeted support to injured service members, as well as to widows, widowers, and children of those who lost their lives in service to the country,” Onanuga said.
The statement added that Tinubu has committed his personal earnings to kick-start the initiative.
“As a personal commitment, President Tinubu has pledged to contribute all his salaries since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative, reinforcing his resolve to ensure that those who have borne the cost of Nigeria’s peace and security are not forgotten,” Onanuga stated.
Tinubu also called for broad-based support from stakeholders across the country, including state governments, lawmakers, and the private sector.
“The President has called on State Governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, his friends, and well-wishers to support the initiative, noting that details of the fund will be made available in due course,” the statement said.
He emphasised that the initiative reflects a national obligation to care for military personnel and their families, beyond existing welfare or insurance schemes.
“President Tinubu emphasised that the initiative is rooted in a solemn national obligation to care for those who stand in harm’s way and the families who carry the burden of their sacrifice, irrespective of insurance programmes available to members of the armed forces,” Onanuga added.
The President further stressed that supporting troops and their families is a collective duty.
“He stated that supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families is not an act of charity, but a duty that all must fulfil,” the statement read.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, assuring that their service would be matched with dignity, care, and sustained support.
