Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed all Nigerian airlines to give serving military personnel priority boarding on all flights — ahead of first and business class passengers.
Keyamo made the announcement 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 hold from December 2 to 4, 2025.
Explaining the reason for the directive, the minister said the policy was aimed at recognising the sacrifices, courage, and dedication of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
> “This is what is done in other countries, and it is not a bad thing to emulate. It is the least we can do to honour our serving military personnel,” Keyamo stated.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, said the directive would be forwarded immediately to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for implementation.
He described the move as “brilliant and symbolic,” noting that it represents a visible national gesture of appreciation for the military’s service to the nation.
Earlier, on April 8, Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, had announced a similar policy to prioritise military personnel, passengers with special needs or wheelchairs, and business class passengers in its boarding process.
