The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has directed that all airlines in Nigeria must henceforth allow serving military personnel to board aircraft first, ahead of first or business-class passengers.
He announced this during a stakeholder meeting to review the planning for the Centenary Celebration of Aviation in Nigeria and the first Nigeria international Air Show on Tuesday. The International Airshow is scheduled for December 2-4, 2025.
According to the minister, this decision recognises the selfless service and sacrifices made by men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“This is what is done in other countries, and it is not a bad thing to copy. It is the least we can do to honour our serving military personnel,” Keyamo said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, who is part of the organising committee, affirmed that the directive will be swiftly communicated to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for implementation.
He described the move as both “brilliant and symbolic,” saying it would visibly demonstrate national gratitude toward the armed forces.
Industry observers have also hailed the directive, noting that it will strengthen public respect for the military and give uniformed personnel a greater sense of pride and belonging whenever they travel.
Before this federal directive, Air Peace had already announced a similar gesture on its flights honouring serving military personnel by allowing them to board before other passengers.
The airline’s Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, introduced the practice as part of Air Peace’s corporate ethos of patriotism and appreciation for national service.
Onyema has repeatedly stated that the airline’s gesture is a symbolic “thank you” to those who defend Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
This early example from Air Peace has now become a benchmark policy, inspiring the government to adopt the practice nationwide.
The minister’s directive effectively formalises and extends Air Peace’s tradition across all airlines operating in Nigeria.
The Nigerian initiative follows global best practices already common in the United States, Canada, and several European countries.
In the U.S., for example, major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines allow active-duty military personnel to board before first-class passengers once they present valid military identification.
The tradition became widespread after September 11, 2001, as part of a broader effort to show appreciation for military service and boost morale among troops returning from overseas deployments. It remains a well-established feature of air travel etiquette in North America.
According to American Airlines, “members of the U.S. military who are on active duty and carrying military ID can board in Group 1.” Similarly, Delta Air Lines states that “active-duty U.S. military personnel may board at any time they choose.” These practices have become an integral part of airline culture, symbolising respect, gratitude, and national pride.
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Analysts describe the Nigerian move as a symbolic yet powerful step that aligns aviation with national values. It acknowledges the military’s role in securing the country and sends a message that service and sacrifice are recognised at all levels of society.
“Giving serving military personnel the honour of boarding first is about respect. It makes them feel proud of the country they serve,” said one industry stakeholder.
The directive also supports Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen civil-military relations, especially at a time when security forces are engaged in multiple peacekeeping and counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has tasked the NCAA with issuing clear guidance to all airlines and airport operators. This will cover verification of military credentials, staff training for boarding procedures, and consistent public communication to ensure smooth rollout.
Dr. Kana noted that airlines will be expected to update their boarding group systems and include this new serving military personnel category in their check-in and announcement protocols. The ministry intends to make this an enduring standard, not just a ceremonial gesture tied to the centenary celebrations.
By mandating that serving military personnel be the first to board aircraft, Nigeria joins countries that visibly honour their armed forces in everyday life. Once fully implemented by the NCAA and domestic carriers, this initiative will stand as a lasting symbol of respect, unity, and gratitude for those who defend Nigeria’s skies and sovereignty.
