The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has opened applications for its 2026 recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply to enlist in the Service.
The recruitment is for both tradesmen and women, as well as non-tradesmen and women, under the NAF Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026.
According to the Air Force, online registration will begin on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and close on October 14, 2026.
The announcement was made through the NAF’s official X account on Wednesday as the Service commenced preparations for the latest intake.
Prospective applicants have been urged to study the recruitment requirements carefully before submitting their applications.
The Air Force also stressed that the application process is completely free. Applicants have therefore been warned against paying anyone to secure recruitment slots.
“Qualified Nigerians interested in joining the Service are encouraged to apply through the official recruitment channel,” the NAF stated.
Applicants must meet specific age, educational and physical requirements to qualify for consideration.
For tradesmen and women, candidates must be between 18 and 27 years old as of March 1, 2027. Non-tradesmen and women applicants must be between 18 and 22 years old by the same date.
Candidates must also be Nigerians by birth and meet the prescribed minimum height of 1.66 metres for males and 1.63 metres for females.
Beyond these requirements, applicants are expected to be medically, physically and psychologically fit for military service.
NAF educational requirements
Candidates applying as tradesmen or women with ND or NCE qualifications must have obtained their certificates from accredited institutions.
They must also possess at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in not more than two sittings.
The accepted examinations include WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB and NBAIS.
Applicants seeking positions that require trade qualifications must provide the relevant Trade Test certificate.
Those applying as drivers must also possess a valid driving licence in addition to meeting the required academic qualifications.
For non-tradesmen and women, applicants must have at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in the relevant examinations.
They are also expected to provide their Primary School Certificate and Secondary School Testimonial as part of the recruitment process.
Documents required from successful applicants
Candidates who progress in the recruitment exercise will be required to complete several official documents.
These include an Acknowledgement Form, Parent or Guardian Consent Form and Local Government Area Attestation Form.
The attestation must be endorsed by an authorised official from the applicant’s state of origin.
Eligible signatories include a NAF officer not below the rank of Wing Commander or an equivalent officer in the Nigerian Army or Navy.
A police officer from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police and above can also sign the document.
A substantive local government chairman or secretary, as well as a magistrate from the applicant’s state of origin, is also authorised to endorse the form.
The attestation document must carry the applicant’s passport photograph.
Applicants must also attach a photocopy of the signatory’s valid driver’s licence, National Identity Card or international passport.
NAF aptitude test date
The Nigerian Air Force said successful applicants would later be invited for a zonal general aptitude test.
However, the date for the examination has not yet been announced.
The Service said the test date would be communicated through its official recruitment portal.
Only candidates who successfully pass the relevant stages will proceed to the interview stage.
Applicants seeking full details and wishing to begin the registration process should use the official NAF recruitment portal: https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng.
The Air Force has advised prospective candidates to rely only on its official recruitment channels for information and avoid individuals or platforms demanding payment for the free application process.