President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his 74th birthday on March 29, 2026, with a sweeping policy gesture, directing the immediate establishment of a dedicated fund to support Nigerian service members and their families. In a move aimed at bolstering national security morale, the President announced he would donate his entire official salary earned since taking office in May 2023 to serve as the seed capital for the initiative.
The directive, issued to the Accountant-General of the Federation, mandates the creation of a specialized financial vehicle designed to provide long-term welfare for active-duty personnel, medical care for the wounded, and educational and housing support for the families of fallen heroes. The President framed the initiative as a moral obligation rather than a secondary policy goal, emphasising that the stability of the nation rests upon the sacrifices of its armed forces.
“This is not an act of charity, but a duty we owe to those who stand in the gap for our peace,” President Tinubu stated in an official release shared via his administration’s communication channels. He noted that the fund would serve as a permanent pillar of support, ensuring that the dependents of those who pay the ultimate price are never abandoned by the state.
The President called on a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the 36 state governors, members of the National Assembly, and the organized private sector, to contribute to the fund. By urging the nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporate entities to participate, the administration aims to create a multi-billion naira safety net that operates independently of the standard defence budget.
The announcement comes at a critical time for the Nigerian military, which continues to face complex security challenges across several regions. While the gesture was timed to coincide with his birthday celebrations, the President explicitly requested that the day be focused on the troops rather than personal festivities.