Keyamo orders airlines to prioritize boarding for military personnel over first-class passengers.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has ordered all Nigerian airlines to grant serving military personnel priority boarding on all flights, prioritizing them over first and business class passengers.
Keyamo revealed the policy on Tuesday in Abuja during a stakeholder meeting on preparations for Nigeria’s aviation centenary celebration and the inaugural Nigerian International Air Show, scheduled for December 2 to 4, 2025.
Explaining the rationale behind the directive, the minister said the decision was aimed at recognising the sacrifices 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 recognise our serving military personnel,” he said.
In his remarks, Ibrahim Kana, permanent secretary of the ministry, said the directive would be immediately forwarded to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for implementation.
He described the policy as “brilliant and symbolic”, adding that it would serve as a visible gesture of national appreciation for the military.
On April 8, Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, announced it will be prioritising military personnel, passengers with wheelchairs or special needs, and business class passengers in its new boarding process
Credit. The Cable
