Ex-NCAA GM, Aviation Icon, Peter Amasa Retires From Service, Launches A Book
The former General Manager, AVSEC Training & Certification Department, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Elder Peter Olatunde Amasa has retired from service at age 60 and has launched a book, titled PROFESSIONALISM OF AVIATION SECURITY.
A Send Forth Programme organized for him at NCAA Annex in Lagos, featured the book launch and was attended by several dignitaries and aviation industry stakeholders, including the Director General of Civil Aviation, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo.
Elder Amasa is a renowned aviation security professional whose illustrious career spans more than three decades of dedicated service to the advancement of aviation safety and security in Nigeria, across Africa and within the global aviation community. His career reflects solid commitment, continuous professional development and exceptional leadership in shaping modern Aviation Security (AVSEC) Systems.
EARLY LIFE, ENTRY INTO AVIATION
Mr. Amasa began his journey into the aviation sector in 1994 after graduating from the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics (1991). He joined the then Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) as an Operations Officer 11 under the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS). His early years exposed him to a wide range of technical and operational areas, including airport operations, aeronautical studies of proposed tall structures, wildlife hazard management, apron safety oversight and airport facilitation processes.
This foundational experience ignited his passion for aviation safety and security and laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in Aviation Security (AVSEC).
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, SPECIALIZATION IN AVSEC
In 1996, Mr. Amasa earned a Diploma in Government Aviation Operations and Aviation Security (GAO/AVSEC) from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, an important milestone that steered him firmly towards the AVSEC discipline.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional skill, diligence and leadership. He became one of the pioneering staff of the Directorate of Aviation Security & Regulation and eventually grew to become the General Manager, AVSEC Training & Certification Department, NCAA.
His trajectory is marked by steady promotions, national recognition and international relevance, reflecting his mastery of regulatory functions, quality control, training and aviation security governance.
TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS, INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Mr. Amasa has undergone extensive professional training across Africa, Europe, North America and Asia. Some of the prestigious institutions where he trained include ICAO, IATA, FAA Oklahoma, ACSA Johannesburg, Redline Security UK, Singapore Aviation Academy, Emirates Aviation College, Dubai and JP International, UK, among many others.
His certifications include National AVSEC Inspector (2007), ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) Auditor (2008), ICAO AVSEC Instructor 2013 and ICAO Professional Manager (2008).
He has instructed and facilitated numerous trainings both locally and internationally, covering courses such as Basic STP 123, AVSEC management, Cargo & Mail Security, X-ray Image Interpretation, Screener Certification, Quality Control, Internal Audit, Security Culture and more.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL, REGIONAL AVSEC DEVELOPMENT
Amasa has contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation security frameworks. He played key roles in the formulation, revision, and implementation of various national regulatory programmes like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Security Regulations (NCAR Part 17), Nigerian Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP), Nigerian Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP), Nigerian Civil Aviation Security Quality Control Programme (NCASQCP), Nigerian Civil Aviation Cargo Security Programme (NCACSP), National AVSEC Screeners & Instructors Certification System and Airline Operators Security Programme Guidelines.
He pioneered the Civil Aviation Authority’s Certification Systems for AVSEC Instructors and Screeners, a landmark achievement that standardized AVSEC competencies across Nigerian airports. He also conducted countless regulatory inspections, audits, tests and survey across all aviation security stakeholders organizations in Nigeria.
INTERNATIONAL ROLES, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
As an ICAO-Certified expert, Mr. Amasa has contributed significantly to aviation capacity building across Africa. He served as an ICAO Short-Term Expert (STE), participating In audit, assessments and training missions in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, Cape Verde, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, The Gambia and Mauritius. He also offered Instructor-led support to East African School of Aviation (EASA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO).
His technical expertise helped several African states establish or strengthen their national aviation security regulatory systems.
LEADERSHIP, REPRESENTATION, GLOBAL ENGAGEMENTS
Mr. Amasa has held notable leadership and representational roles including ICAO AVSEC Panel Member representing Nigeria (2018-2025), Chairperson, BAGASOO AVSEC Team of Experts (2022 till date), National Coordinator for Nigeria’s ICAO USAP-CMA Audit (2024), Member, AFCAC AVSEC Expert Group and also, Contributor to the harmonized ECOWAS AVSEC Regulatory Framework.
He has presented papers at prominent international fora such as ICAO Global Aviation Security Symposium (AVSEC2018) in Montreal, AFCAC-ICAO-ECAC Regional Workshop on Threat Assessment & Risk Management in Doha (2023), NCAA AVSEC Symposium in Implementation Challenges (2025). His thought leadership and professional insight has continued to shape aviation security discussion globally.
LEGACY, PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY, IMPACT
Mr. Amasa’s career exemplifies how dedication, continuous learning, international collaboration and adherence to global best practices can elevate AVSEC as a true profession. His work has strengthened Nigeria’s regulatory framework, improved AVSEC workforce competence and enhanced Africa’s collective aviation posture.
He embodies professionalism grounded in integrity, vigilance, capacity building, ethical conduct and service to global civil aviation.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Peter Amasa is happily married to Mrs. Folakemi Amasa, and they are blessed with lovely children who have been a source of joy, strength and inspiration throughout his journey. He also serves as an elder and marriage counselor in his church.
CONCLUSION
From his humble beginnings as a young operations officer to becoming General Manager of AVSEC Training & Certification and one of Africa’s leading aviation security authorities, Mr. Peter Olatunde Amasa’s journey is a testament to commitment, excellence and visionary leadership.
