Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed all Nigerian airlines to give serving military personnel priority boarding on flights — ahead of first and business class passengers.
Gatekeepers News reports that Keyamo announced the policy on Tuesday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting on preparations for Nigeria’s aviation centenary celebration and the inaugural Nigerian International Air Show, scheduled to take place from December 2 to 4, 2025.
‘A Gesture to Honour Their Sacrifices’
Explaining the rationale behind the directive, the minister said the decision was meant to recognise and honour the sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“This is what is done in other countries, and it is not a bad thing to emulate,” Keyamo said.
“It is the least we can do to recognise our serving military personnel.”
He added that the new policy would take immediate effect and apply across all domestic carriers.
NCAA to Enforce Directive
Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the directive would be transmitted to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for enforcement.
Kana described the move as “brilliant and symbolic,” noting that it represents a visible gesture of national gratitude toward the military.
“It will serve as a strong message that the country values the service and sacrifices of its armed forces,” he said.
Air Peace Already Implementing Similar Policy
In April, Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, introduced a boarding policy that prioritises military personnel, passengers with special needs, and business class passengers.
Keyamo’s directive effectively extends the recognition across all airlines operating within Nigeria’s airspace.
