Former General Manager, AVSEC Training & Certification Department of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Peter Olatunde Amasa, has retired from public service at the age of 60, marking the milestone with the launch of his book, Professionalism of Aviation Security.
A Send-Forth Programme held at the NCAA Annex in Lagos featured the book unveiling and drew a distinguished audience of aviation industry leaders and stakeholders, including the Director General of Civil Aviation, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo.
Amasa is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most accomplished aviation security professionals. His illustrious career spans over three decades of unwavering service to aviation safety and security, with far-reaching impact across Nigeria, the African continent and the global aviation community. His professional journey reflects deep commitment, continuous learning and exceptional leadership in shaping modern Aviation Security (AVSEC) systems.
Early Life and Entry into Aviation
Amasa began his aviation career in 1994 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos (1991). He joined the then Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) as an Operations Officer II under the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS). His early exposure covered airport operations, aeronautical studies, wildlife hazard management, apron safety oversight and airport facilitation—experiences that ignited his passion for aviation safety and security.
Professional Growth and AVSEC Specialisation
In 1996, he obtained a Diploma in Government Aviation Operations and Aviation Security (GAO/AVSEC) from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, a defining step that anchored his career in AVSEC. Rising steadily through the ranks, he became a pioneer staff member of the Directorate of Aviation Security & Regulation and ultimately served as General Manager, AVSEC Training & Certification at the NCAA.
His ascent was marked by professional excellence in regulation, quality control, training and aviation security governance, earning him national recognition and international relevance.
Training, Certifications and Global Exposure
Amasa undertook extensive professional training across Africa, Europe, North America and Asia, including programmes at ICAO, IATA, FAA Oklahoma, ACSA Johannesburg, Redline Security UK, Singapore Aviation Academy, Emirates Aviation College (Dubai) and JP International (UK).
His credentials include National AVSEC Inspector (2007), ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) Auditor (2008), ICAO Professional Manager (2008) and ICAO AVSEC Instructor (2013). He facilitated numerous local and international trainings in AVSEC management, cargo and mail security, X-ray image interpretation, screener certification, quality control, internal audit and security culture.
National and Regional Contributions
Amasa played pivotal roles in the formulation, review and implementation of Nigeria’s aviation security frameworks, including NCAR Part 17, NCASP, NCASTP, NCASQCP, NCACSP and the National AVSEC Screeners and Instructors Certification System. Notably, he pioneered the NCAA’s certification systems for AVSEC instructors and screeners standardising competencies across Nigerian airports. He also led countless inspections, audits and surveys across the aviation security ecosystem.
International Roles and Technical Assistance
As an ICAO-certified expert, Amasa contributed significantly to capacity building across Africa, serving as an ICAO Short-Term Expert on audit, assessment and training missions in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, Cape Verde, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, The Gambia and Mauritius. He also supported institutions such as EASA, ICAO, AFCAC and BAGASOO, helping states establish and strengthen national AVSEC regulatory systems.
Leadership and Global Engagements
His leadership roles include ICAO AVSEC Panel Member representing Nigeria (2018–2025), Chairperson of the BAGASOO AVSEC Team of Experts (2022–date), National Coordinator for Nigeria’s ICAO USAP-CMA Audit (2024) and Member of the AFCAC AVSEC Expert Group. He also contributed to the harmonised ECOWAS AVSEC Regulatory Framework and presented papers at major international fora, including ICAO AVSEC2018 in Montreal and regional workshops in Doha.
Legacy and Personal Life
Amasa’s career underscores professionalism rooted in integrity, vigilance, ethical conduct and service to global civil aviation. Beyond his professional achievements, he is happily married to Mrs. Folakemi Amasa, blessed with children, and serves as an elder and marriage counsellor in his church.
From a young operations officer to General Manager of AVSEC Training & Certification—and one of Africa’s foremost aviation security authorities—Elder Peter Olatunde Amasa’s journey is a powerful testament to commitment, excellence and visionary leadership.
His legacy, now further cemented by professionalism of Aviation Security, will continue to guide and inspire generations of aviation security professionals.