On September 16, 2025, Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, unveiled plans to hire 1,000 fresh graduates for its 2025/2026 Graduate Trainee Programme.
It bears mentioning that the Graduate Trainee Programme targets young Nigerians. It offers training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in aviation and related fields.
Onyema emphasised its purpose. “We’re building a skilled workforce for the future,” he stated. The initiative aligns with Air Peace’s goal of fostering national development through job creation.
Eligible candidates must be 30 years or younger by the application date, hold a Second Class Lower degree from an accredited university, and possess an NYSC discharge, exclusion, or exemption certificate. Applicants should also show enthusiasm and adaptability.
However, it is worth noting that this move responds to the Federal Government’s decision to suspend a 4 per cent Free on Board levy on imported goods, a policy shift announced earlier in 2025. The levy, introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service, had sparked concerns among businesses.
Manufacturers and importers warned it could fuel inflation and harm trade competitiveness. The suspension, led by Finance Minister Wale Edun, aims to stabilise the economy and support industries like aviation.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema praised the government’s action. “This suspension lifts a burden from airlines,” he said on September 17, 2025. “It prevents job losses and boosts our sector.” Onyema credited President Bola Tinubu and Edun for addressing stakeholder concerns. He added, “With more policies like this, aviation could create thousands of jobs.”
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Applications opened on September 16, 2025, and will close on September 30, 2025. Candidates can apply via the airline’s website. The process is designed to be accessible, encouraging broad participation.
Onyema highlighted the programme’s broader impact. “This is about transforming lives and strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he said. The initiative builds on Air Peace’s history of job creation.
In 2019, the airline reported creating 3,000 direct jobs and 9,000 ancillary roles since its founding. The new programme reinforces this legacy, aiming to empower youth and drive economic growth.
The government’s levy suspension, announced in mid-2025, followed months of dialogue with industry leaders. Businesses had argued the levy strained operations and raised costs.
Edun’s decision reflects a commitment to economic stability, a move Onyema called “a lifeline for aviation.” The policy shift has encouraged companies like Air Peace to invest in growth and employment.
This programme also positions Air Peace as a leader in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The airline has expanded rapidly, launching international routes like Lagos-São Paulo in 2025 and planning flights to New York and Houston by year-end. These efforts, supported by government policies, signal a bright future for the industry.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly before the September 30 deadline.
