Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs for young Nigerians through its 2025/2026 Graduate Trainee Programme. The development follows the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the 4 per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy on imported goods, which had triggered strong reactions from manufacturers, importers, and customs agents.
The FOB levy, introduced by Customs, raised concerns that it would worsen inflation, disrupt trade facilitation, and weaken Nigeria’s business climate. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Wale Edun, confirmed that the suspension was necessary after listening to stakeholders across key sectors. Edun said the levy risked “eroding trade competitiveness and dampening the investment climate.”
In response, Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, announced the job creation initiative in a statement on Wednesday. He praised President Bola Tinubu and Edun for taking swift action to address the concerns of businesses. “This suspension is a lifeline for the aviation industry. It removes a heavy burden that could have crippled airlines and triggered massive job losses. In turn, Air Peace is reciprocating this kind gesture by creating 1,000 fresh graduate jobs for young Nigerians,” Onyema said.
He explained that the initiative shows the positive impact that government and private sector partnerships can have on the economy. “If further supportive measures like this come from the Federal Government, I can assure you that thousands more jobs will be created in the aviation sector. This is how partnerships can transform a nation,” Onyema added.
According to Air Peace, the Graduate Trainee Programme is designed to equip fresh graduates with mentorship, practical exposure, and skills to build a career in aviation and related industries. Onyema described it as “a strategic pipeline for building a competent, future-ready workforce to support the continued growth of the sector.”
The airline outlined the criteria for interested candidates, stating that applicants must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application and must hold at least a Second Class Lower (2:2) degree from a recognised university. Air Peace further stated, “The candidate must also be in possession of a NYSC discharge certificate, exclusion, or exemption letter and must demonstrate passion, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn.”
Applications can be submitted via the official Air Peace website at https://flyairpeace.com/graduate-trainee-program/. Candidates may also scan the QR code on the official programme flier. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2025.
