KEYAMO ORDERS AIRLINES TO GIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL PRIORITY BOARDING AHEAD OF FIRST CLASS PASSENGERS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has directed all Nigerian airlines to grant serving military personnel priority boarding on all domestic and international flights — ahead of first and business class passengers.
Keyamo made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during a stakeholder meeting on preparations for the upcoming Centenary Celebration of Aviation in Nigeria and the inaugural Nigerian International Air Show, scheduled to take place from December 2 to 4, 2025.
The minister explained that the directive was designed to honor 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 recognize our serving military personnel,” Keyamo said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, said the directive would be immediately transmitted to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for implementation. He described the initiative as both “brilliant and symbolic,” noting that it visibly expresses national appreciation for the military’s service to the country.
Nigeria’s new policy aligns with international aviation practices in countries such as the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, where active-duty military personnel are routinely allowed to board flights before other passengers.
In the U.S., airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest have long prioritized active-duty service members at boarding, a tradition that gained prominence after the September 11 attacks as a gesture of respect and morale support.
Keyamo’s directive, observers note, underscores a growing culture of gratitude and national pride, positioning Nigeria among nations that formally recognize and appreciate the service of their military men and women.
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