Photo File: Air Peace Boeing 777 aircraft. Photo credit : Air Peace

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has announced plans to create 1,000 new jobs for young Nigerians through its 2025/2026 Graduate Trainee Programme.

The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, comes in response to the Federal Government’s recent suspension of the 4 per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy on imported goods. The levy, introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service, had sparked outcry from manufacturers, importers, and clearing agents, who warned it would worsen inflation, erode trade competitiveness and dampen investment.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, said the suspension followed widespread concerns from stakeholders over the levy’s impact on trade facilitation and Nigeria’s business climate.

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, in a statement, commended President Bola Tinubu and Edun for their “responsive leadership” in addressing the concerns of critical sectors.

“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 added that the move demonstrates how government–private sector partnerships can drive meaningful economic impact. “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,” he said.

Explaining the employment opportunity, Onyema said the Graduate Trainee Programme is designed to equip young Nigerian graduates with essential skills, mentorship and practical exposure to thrive in aviation and related industries “It serves as a strategic pipeline for building a competent, future-ready workforce to support the continued growth of the sector,” he noted.

According to the airline, applicants must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application, hold at least a Second Class Lower (2:2) degree in any discipline from a recognised university, and possess a valid NYSC discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate. Candidates must also demonstrate passion, adaptability and a strong desire to learn.