Nigerian Air Force Opens 2026 Recruitment — Requirements Revealed

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise for eligible Nigerians seeking to enlist as tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women.

According to the Service, the recruitment portal will open on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and remain accessible until October 14, 2026.

The announcement was made through the NAF’s official communication channels as part of preparations for the Nigerian Air Force Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026.

The Air Force stated that the application process is completely free and advised prospective applicants to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines before submitting their forms.

For tradesmen/women, applicants must be between 18 and 27 years old as of March 1, 2027, while candidates applying as non-tradesmen/women must be between 18 and 22 years old by the same date.

All applicants are required to be Nigerian citizens by birth and must meet the minimum height requirement of 1.66 metres for males and 1.63 metres for females.

Applicants must also be medically, physically and psychologically fit and satisfy the established medical and employment standards of the Nigerian Air Force.

Candidates applying as tradesmen/women with National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications must have obtained their certificates from accredited institutions. They are also required to possess at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB or NBAIS.

Applicants seeking driving positions or other trades requiring a Trade Test must possess the relevant Trade Test certificate and meet the applicable Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination requirements. Candidates applying as drivers must also have a valid driving licence.

For non-tradesmen/women, applicants must possess at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in the relevant examinations. They are also expected to have their Primary School Certificates and Secondary School Testimonials.

The NAF said shortlisted candidates would be required to complete an Acknowledgement Form, Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Local Government Area Attestation Form.

The LGA Attestation Form may be endorsed by a military officer from the applicant’s state of origin who is not below the rank of Wing Commander in the Nigerian Air Force or an equivalent rank in the Nigerian Army or Navy.

It may also be endorsed by a police officer not below the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police, a substantive local government chairman or secretary, or a magistrate from the applicant’s state of origin.

The completed attestation form must include the applicant’s passport photograph and a photocopy of the signatory’s driver’s licence, National Identity Card or international passport.

The Air Force said successful applicants would subsequently be invited to participate in a zonal general aptitude test, with the date to be announced through the recruitment portal.

Only candidates who successfully pass the aptitude test will proceed to the interview stage.

The NAF also warned prospective applicants to be wary of fraudsters, stressing that the recruitment exercise is free and that applicants should not make payments to anyone in connection with the process.

Eligible Nigerians interested in joining the Service are advised to carefully review the requirements and submit their applications through the official NAF recruitment portal.