Nigerian Air Force Announces 2026 Enlistment Drive for Skilled, Unskilled Personnel

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially declared the commencement of its 2026 recruitment drive, inviting eligible Nigerians to apply for positions as both tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women. According to a notice disseminated on the NAF's X handle on Wednesday, the online application window will be active from September 3 to October 14, 2026.

The official announcement detailed that the “NAF Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026 Recruitment Exercise is scheduled to commence on 3 September 2026, with online registration opening for suitably qualified Nigerians interested in joining the Service as Tradesmen/Women and Non-Tradesmen/Women.” Emphasizing transparency, the NAF stated that “The registration is FREE OF CHARGE, and prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines before submitting their applications.” Interested individuals are directed to the Force's dedicated recruitment portal at https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng for comprehensive details.

Regarding age specifications, candidates aspiring to be tradesmen/women must fall within the 18 to 27 years age bracket by March 1, 2027. Conversely, those applying as non-tradesmen/women are required to be between 18 and 22 years old by the same cutoff date. All applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, meet specific height requirements—a minimum of 1.66 meters for males and 1.63 meters for females—and be certified medically, physically, and psychologically fit, aligning with the NAF’s established medical and employment criteria.

For tradesmen/women, the NAF mandates that applicants holding National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications must have acquired their certificates from accredited institutions. They must also possess a minimum of five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, obtained in no more than two sittings from recognized examination bodies such as WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, or NBAIS. Furthermore, individuals seeking roles in driving or other specialized trades requiring a Trade Test must present the relevant Trade Test certificate in addition to fulfilling the applicable Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) requirements. Drivers specifically need a valid driving licence.

Non-tradesmen/women applicants are expected to have a minimum of five credits, encompassing Mathematics and English Language, from relevant examinations. They are also required to provide their Primary School Certificates and Secondary School Testimonials.

Upon successful initial screening, applicants will be required to complete an Acknowledgement Form, a Parent/Guardian Consent Form, and a Local Government Area Attestation Form. The attestation form must be endorsed by a military officer from the applicant’s state of origin, not below the rank of Wing Commander in the NAF (or an equivalent rank in the Nigerian Army or Navy), a police officer holding the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police or higher, a substantive local government chairman or secretary, or a magistrate from the applicant’s state of origin. This form must be accompanied by the applicant’s passport photograph and a photocopy of the signatory’s valid identification, such as a driver’s licence, National Identity Card, or international passport.

The Nigerian Air Force concluded by stating that the zonal general aptitude test for successful applicants will be scheduled for a date to be announced via the recruitment portal, adding that only candidates who pass this stage will proceed to the interview phase.