Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has told all Nigerian airlines to let military personnel board all aircraft before first and business class passengers.
Keyamo made the announcement today in Abuja during a gathering of stakeholders to talk about getting ready for the first Nigerian International Air Show and the 100th anniversary of aviation in Nigeria, which will take place from December 2 to 4, 2025.
The minister stated that the decision was made to honor the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, according to The PUNCH.
“This is what other countries do, and it’s not a bad idea to copy them.” He said, “The least we can do is honor our military personnel.”
Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said in his speech that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority will quickly get the order and carry it out.
He called the decision “brilliant and symbolic,” saying it would show how much the country appreciates the troops.
Nigeria’s decision to adopt the policy is in line with how things are done in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe, where active-duty military members are usually allowed to board before other passengers.
In the US, airlines like Delta, American, and Southwest have long let active-duty service members board first if they show a valid military ID. This practice became common after the September 11 attacks as a way to show respect and support for the troops.
Keyamo’s effort strengthens a culture of thankfulness and national pride, putting Nigeria on par with other countries when it comes to honoring its military men and women.
About the Author
