The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially opened its 2026 recruitment exercise for tradesmen and non-tradesmen under the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026. Online registration began on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and will close on October 14, 2026. The recruitment is completely free, and the NAF has warned applicants against paying anyone who promises to secure them a slot.
How to Apply for NAF Recruitment 2026
Interested applicants must meet specific age, educational, and physical requirements before submitting their forms online. According to the NAF, applications must be submitted through the official recruitment portal. Applicants should visit the portal and select the BMTC 47/2026 recruitment exercise, carefully read the guidelines, and fill in the online application form with required personal and educational details.
After submitting the form, applicants must print the acknowledgement slip, Parent/Guardian Consent Form, and Local Government Area (LGA) Attestation Form. The LGA Attestation Form must be signed by an authorised official, such as a military officer from the applicant's state, a police officer not below the rank of Chief Superintendent, a substantive LGA chairman or secretary, or a magistrate, depending on conditions stated by the Air Force. The NAF warned that applicants who fail to complete the online process successfully will not be able to generate the required documents for the next stage.
Eligibility Requirements for Tradesmen and Non-Tradesmen
The recruitment is open only to Nigerian citizens by birth who are medically, physically, and psychologically fit. Applicants must meet the minimum height requirement of 1.66 metres for males and 1.63 metres for females. Tradesmen and women applicants must be between 18 and 27 years old by March 1, 2027. Those with National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications must have attended accredited institutions and possess at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, or NBAIS.
Applicants for technical positions like driving must possess the relevant Trade Test certificate, and drivers are required to have a valid driver's licence. Sportsmen and women are also encouraged to apply but must present proof of professional sporting achievements, including certificates and medals. Non-tradesmen and women applicants must be between 18 and 22 years old by March 1, 2027, and must have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, or NBAIS. They are also expected to provide their Primary School Certificate and Secondary School Testimonial.
Next Steps After Application
Candidates who successfully complete their applications will be invited to participate in a Zonal General Aptitude Test. The Nigerian Air Force said the examination date will be announced later through the recruitment portal. Those who pass the aptitude test will then proceed to the final selection interview.
The Air Force stressed that the exercise is transparent and urged applicants to ignore fraudsters demanding money. It said: "The recruitment exercise is free of charge." The service further advised applicants to carefully follow the official guidelines and avoid dealing with unofficial agents or third parties. Military service remains one of the career paths many young Nigerians pursue because it offers structured training, career development, housing opportunities, healthcare benefits, and the chance to serve the country. Over the years, Nigerian military personnel have also participated in peacekeeping operations across Africa under international missions, earning recognition for their professionalism. The application portal will remain open until October 14, 2026, after which no new applications will be accepted.
