LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ

In a significant philanthropic gesture marking his 74th birthday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the donation of his entire salary earned since assuming office in May 2023 to support the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The President directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated fund specifically for wounded personnel and the families of fallen soldiers.

This personal contribution serves as seed funding for a broader initiative aimed at bolstering the welfare of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s security.

With an estimated monthly salary of ₦1.5 million, the President’s total contribution over his 22 months in office amounts to approximately ₦33 million. This move is intended to provide direct financial relief to widows, widowers, and children of deceased service members, as well as veterans who have lost limbs or suffered life-altering injuries in the course of duty.

President Tinubu emphasized that this funding is independent of existing statutory insurance and welfare schemes already provided by the government.

The President’s announcement carries a strong call to action for Nigeria’s political and business elite. He urged state governors, members of the National Assembly, and private sector leaders to contribute to the newly established account, framing the initiative as a national duty rather than an act of charity.

By inviting “friends and well-wishers” to join the cause, the administration seeks to create a sustainable multi-stakeholder support system for military families that transcends government budgetary allocations.

This initiative builds on a growing trend of high-level support for the Nigerian military. During the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, over ₦300 million was raised for veterans and their families, with the President himself contributing more than half of the amount at the time. He contributed the sum of ₦200.

These efforts are complemented by recent policy shifts within the Nigerian Air Force, which now allows families of fallen personnel to continue receiving the deceased officer’s salary for up to 12 months while benefits are being processed.

Ultimately, the President’s gesture underscores a commitment to recognizing the human cost of national peace. In his birthday message, Tinubu reiterated that standing by those in harm’s way is a fundamental responsibility of the state.

As the details of the special account are set to be made public, the success of the fund will likely depend on the responsiveness of the private sector and other political leaders to the President’s challenge.