If you are planning to apply for the Nigerian Army 2026 recruitment or Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 2026 enlistment, one of the most important things to do is understand the requirements before submitting your application.
For the Nigerian Army, the official recruitment portal currently lists requirements for tradesmen and women, while the Nigerian Air Force is also conducting its 2026 recruitment exercise for Airmen and Airwomen.
Nigerian Army Recruitment 2026
The Nigerian Army’s current recruitment information states that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a National Identification Number (NIN) and BVN, and meet the required educational, medical, physical and other conditions.
Applicants must have at least four passes, including English Language, in not more than two sittings in WASSCE, GCE, NECO, NABTEB or NBAIS.
For applicants applying as tradesmen or tradeswomen, the Army specifically requires a Trade Test or City & Guild Certificate in addition to the basic educational requirements. The current Army information also states that non-trades applicants must be between 18 and 22 years, while tradesmen and tradeswomen must not be more than 26 years by 21 October 2026.
Other requirements include the appropriate birth certificate or acceptable age declaration, certificate of state of origin, minimum height requirements, and medical, physical and psychological fitness.
Applications are made through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal:
Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal
The Army also emphasizes that recruitment is free and applicants should be cautious of anyone demanding money to guarantee recruitment.
Nigerian Air Force Recruitment 2026
The Nigerian Air Force’s official recruitment portal currently lists its 2026 recruitment exercise for Airmen and Airwomen.
For the Basic Military Training Course, the NAF states that applicants may include holders of secondary school certificates, National Diploma, NABTEB, RN/RM/NCE, City & Guild certificates and Trade Test certificates, depending on the category and requirements of the particular recruitment exercise.
The current portal states that the age range for Airmen/Airwomen is 18–22 years for non-trades applicants and 18–25 years for trades applicants.
The NAF also states that the minimum height is 1.66m for males and 1.63m for females, while its recruitment information gives a minimum educational requirement of 7 credits, including English and Mathematics. For trade applicants, a Trade Test Certificate or ND/NCE is additionally required.
Applicants should always check the requirements published for the specific recruitment exercise before applying.
NAF Enlistment & Recruitment Portal
The NAF also clearly states that recruitment/enlistment is free and should be carried out through its official portal.
Why the Trade Test Certificate Matters
For young Nigerians applying under a tradesman or tradeswoman category, having the appropriate trade qualification can be an important part of meeting the recruitment requirements.
Depending on the trade, applicants may need evidence of practical vocational competence. Examples of technical and vocational areas can include electrical work, welding, plumbing, mechanics, carpentry, tailoring and other approved trades.
However, applicants should make sure that any certificate they obtain is genuine, properly issued and acceptable for the particular recruitment exercise. A certificate obtained simply because someone promises that it will guarantee military recruitment is not a substitute for meeting the official requirements.
Where Can You Get Trade Test Assistance in Port Harcourt?
For applicants in Port Harcourt who need affordable assistance with obtaining the appropriate trade-test qualification, Rema Immigration Consulting at 17 Hilltop Road, Rumukalagbor, Off Waterlines, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, can provide information and assistance regarding available trade-test options.
Rema Immigration Consulting
Address: 17 Hilltop Road, Rumukalagbor, Off Waterlines, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Phone: 07014910255
Before paying for any certificate, applicants are advised to confirm exactly which trade they are applying under and whether the certificate being offered meets the requirements of the particular Army or Air Force recruitment exercise.
Final Advice
Do not wait until the last minute to discover that you are missing an important document. Check your age, educational certificates, NIN, BVN, birth certificate, state-of-origin documents and, where applicable, your Trade Test or City & Guild qualification.
Most importantly, use only the official recruitment portals for Army and Air Force applications and remember that military recruitment itself is free.
Check the official portals regularly for updates, screening information and changes to requirements.
Nigerian Army: recruit.army.mil.ng
Nigerian Air Force: nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng
