Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the creation of a special welfare fund for members of the nation’s armed forces, pledging to contribute all his presidential salaries earned since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative.

The announcement was made on March 29, 2026, as part of the celebrations marking Tinubu’s 74th birthday. In a statement issued by the presidency, Tinubu said he had instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account for the fund, which is intended to support serving military personnel, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of soldiers who died while serving the country.

“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 said, according to local media reports. The fund will focus on individuals who have lost limbs due to service, as well as widows, widowers, and children of fallen heroes.

Tinubu described the initiative as a national duty rather than an act of charity and called on state governors, lawmakers, the private sector, and well-wishers to support the fund. Details on how contributions can be made or accessed by beneficiaries are expected to be released in the coming days.

The announcement comes amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where the military has been engaged in prolonged operations against armed groups. The gesture is seen as part of broader efforts by the presidency to recognize and support the sacrifices of Nigerian troops.