The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recruitment portal is the official online platform where qualified Nigerians can apply to join the Nigerian Air Force as Airmen/Airwomen, Tradesmen/Tradeswomen, or through Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) to serve as commissioned officers. This recruitment exercise forms part of the 2025/2026 recruitment cycle and is one of the most sought-after opportunities for young Nigerians aspiring to serve in the nation’s air defence and security services.
All applications must be submitted through the official NAF recruitment system at:
https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng
Applicants should avoid third-party websites, unofficial social media adverts, or anyone claiming to guarantee placement — recruitment into the Nigerian Air Force is free, merit-based, and only conducted through the official portal.
What Is the Nigerian Air Force Recruitment Portal?
The NAF Recruitment Portal is the authorised online gateway for:
- Airmen/Airwomen Recruitment (Basic Military Training Course – BMTC)
- Tradesmen/Tradeswomen Recruitment
- Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) for graduates and professionals
Through this portal, applicants can register, login, complete application forms, upload required documents, and track their application status.
There is also a separate login page for returning applicants:
https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/account/airmen/login/
Current Recruitment Status 2026
The most recent recruitment cycle — which began in 2025 for application deadlines in late 2025 — is part of the 2025/2026 Nigerian Air Force Recruitment Exercise. Following the closure of applications, NAF has begun releasing shortlists and interview schedules for selected candidates.
Application deadlines reported included forms being open between 14 October and 25 November 2025 for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) and also for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC).
As of early 2026, no new application window is active, and the portal allows shortlisted applicants to print acknowledgement slips and access further instructions.
Categories of Recruitment
Airmen & Airwomen (BMTC)
This category is for applicants with SSCE/WAEC/NECO/NABTEB and similar qualifications. It includes:
- Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) recruits
- Tradesmen/Tradeswomen with trade or vocational qualifications
The training prepares recruits for a range of roles within the Air Force.
Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)
The DSSC route is available for degree holders and professionals who seek to join the Air Force as commissioned officers. Applicants must hold recognised degrees (often Second Class Upper or equivalent for competitive cadres).
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements vary by category, but general eligibility standards include:
Citizenship & Character
- Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth.
- Must be free from criminal convictions.
- Must be physically and medically fit as per Nigerian Air Force standards.
Age Requirements
- For Airmen/Airwomen BMTC: generally 18–22 years for non-trades and 18–25/27 years for trades (exact age bands are specified in adverts).
- For DSSC: typically 20–32 years for most graduates, with some professional categories allowing higher age limits.
Educational Qualification
- For Airmen/Airwomen: at least five (5) credits in WAEC/NECO/NABTEB, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Tradesmen/Tradeswomen must also have vocational qualifications or relevant certificates (OND, NCE, Trade Test Certificates).
- Direct Short Service Commission applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with good grades (Second Class Upper or Upper Credit) or higher.
Physical Standards
- Minimum height and physical fitness levels are required (for example, males typically not less than 1.66m and females not less than 1.63m).
Documents Required
Before applying, prepare the following:
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Recent passport photographs
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- O’Level result (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
- Higher qualification certificates for DSSC applicants
- NYSC discharge/exemption certificate (for degree holders)
- Trade or professional certificates (where applicable)
These documents must be uploaded in the required format on the official recruitment portal.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the Official Recruitment Portal:
Go to https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng. - Register an Account:
Use a valid email address and phone number to sign up. - Login:
Enter your credentials on the recruitment login page. - Select Your Recruitment Category:
Choose between Airmen/Airwomen, Tradesmen/Tradeswomen, or DSSC. - Complete the Application Form:
Fill in personal, educational, and professional information accurately. - Upload Required Documents:
Attach certified scans of all necessary files. - Review & Submit:
Confirm your data and submit the form before the advertised deadline. - Print Acknowledgement Slips & Forms:
After submission, download all required forms like acknowledgement slips and attestation forms for screening.
What Happens Next
Once the application deadline passes:
- NAF will review applications and publish shortlists on the official portal.
- Candidates may be invited for aptitude tests and screening exercises at zonal centres nationwide.
- Selected recruits progress through physical fitness tests, medical examinations, and interviews as part of the final selection process.
Important Tips & Alerts
- Recruitment is free. Do not pay anyone or engage agents.
- Apply only via the official portal — avoid unofficial sites or social media links.
- Keep your login details, application reference, and all uploaded documents secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Nigerian Air Force recruitment portal open for 2026?
The most recent recruitment cycle for BMTC and DSSC was conducted in late 2025. As of early 2026, the official portal continues to support shortlisted candidates and futureised announcements; new application windows will be published on the official NAF site when opened.
What is the official Nigerian Air Force recruitment portal?
The official portal is https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng where all applications are submitted.
Do I need to pay to apply?
No. Nigerian Air Force recruitment is completely free. Third-party fees are fraudulent.
Can women apply?
Yes. Both male and female applicants can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
What categories of recruitment are available?
Recruitment includes Airmen/Airwomen (BMTC), Tradesmen/Tradeswomen, and the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) for degree holders.
How will I know if I’m shortlisted?
Shortlist lists, aptitude test details, and screening schedules are published on the official recruitment portal.
Do I need NYSC for DSSC?
Yes. NYSC discharge/exemption certificates are typically required for graduate entrants through DSSC.