The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise for eligible Nigerians seeking enlistment as tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women under the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026.

According to the information provided, the recruitment portal will officially open on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and close on October 14, 2026. The NAF stated that the application is completely free, warning applicants against individuals who may demand money in exchange for recruitment slots or assistance.

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Age Requirements

Applicants must meet the following age requirements as of March 1, 2027:

• Tradesmen/Women: 18 to 27 years
• Non-Tradesmen/Women: 18 to 22 years

Applicants must also be Nigerian citizens by birth.

Height and Physical Requirements

The Nigerian Air Force requires applicants to meet the minimum height requirements of:

• Male applicants: 1.66 metres
• Female applicants: 1.63 metres

Applicants must also be medically, physically and psychologically fit and satisfy the NAF’s established medical and employment standards.

Educational Requirements for Tradesmen/Women

Applicants seeking recruitment as tradesmen/women with National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications must obtain their certificates from accredited institutions.

They must also possess at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings in any of the following examinations:

• WAEC
• NECO
• GCE
• NABTEB
• NBAIS

Applicants applying for driving and other trades requiring a Trade Test must possess the relevant Trade Test certificate in addition to meeting the applicable Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination requirements.

Those applying as drivers must also possess a valid driving licence.

Requirements for Non-Tradesmen/Women

Candidates applying as non-tradesmen/women must possess at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in the relevant examinations.

They must also have their:

• Primary School Certificate
• Secondary School Testimonial

Documents and Attestation

Candidates who are successful at the relevant stage will be required to complete an Acknowledgement Form, Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Local Government Area (LGA) 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 Nigerian 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 contain the applicant’s passport photograph and a photocopy of the signatory’s driver’s licence, National Identity Card or international passport.

Aptitude Test and Interview

According to the NAF, successful applicants will subsequently be invited to participate in a zonal general aptitude test.

The date of the aptitude test will be communicated through the recruitment portal. Only candidates who successfully pass the aptitude test will proceed to the interview stage.

The recruitment process is therefore expected to involve several stages, from online application and screening to aptitude testing and, for shortlisted candidates, an interview.

NAF Warns Against Recruitment Fraud

The Nigerian Air Force emphasised that the recruitment exercise is free of charge and urged prospective applicants to be wary of fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the recruitment process.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their forms and to use the official NAF recruitment portal when the application window opens.

Application Period: September 3 – October 14, 2026
Programme: BMTC 47/2026
Positions: Tradesmen/Women and Non-Tradesmen/Women
Application Fee: Free
Official Portal: NAF recruitment portal