The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the commencement of its 2026 recruitment exercise for qualified Nigerians seeking enlistment as tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women.

The Air Force said online registration for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026 will open on September 3 and close on October 14, 2026.

In a notice posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the NAF said the recruitment exercise was open to suitably qualified Nigerians and stressed that the application process was free of charge. It urged prospective applicants to review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines before applying.

Applicants for tradesmen/women must be between 18 and 27 years old as of March 1, 2027, while non-tradesmen/women applicants must be between 18 and 22 years old by the same date. All applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and must meet the prescribed medical, physical and psychological fitness standards.

The NAF also requires a minimum height of 1.66 metres for male applicants and 1.63 metres for female applicants.

For tradesmen/women, candidates with National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications must have obtained their certificates from accredited institutions. They must also have at least five credits, including Mathematics and English, in no more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB or NBAIS.

Applicants for driving and other trades requiring a Trade Test must possess the relevant Trade Test certificate and satisfy the applicable Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination requirements. Drivers must also hold a valid driving licence.

Non-tradesmen/women applicants are required to have at least five credits, including Mathematics and English, in the relevant examinations, as well as Primary School Certificates and Secondary School Testimonials.

Successful applicants will be required to complete an Acknowledgement Form, Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Local Government Area Attestation Form. The attestation may be signed by specified military, police, local government or judicial officials from the applicant’s state of origin, subject to the rank and eligibility requirements set by the NAF.

The Air Force said the zonal general aptitude test for shortlisted applicants would be held on a date to be announced through the recruitment portal. Only candidates who pass the required stages will be invited for interview. Applicants can access the full requirements and submit their applications through the NAF recruitment portal.