Untimely Death! See Last Demand Of Customs Officer Who Suddenly Slumped During Investigative Hearing At National Assembly
When Essien Etop Andrew, the Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) overseeing Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, entered the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday, nо one could have predicted that he would not exit the parliament alive.
Andrew led a group of senior customs officers to the House of Representatives for an investigative hearing conducted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Him and his team appeared before the Committee to present information regarding the Service’s revenue remittances.
“These levies, as previously mentioned, are classified as federation account levies, and it is the Accountant General’ s office’ s duty to declare this money for distribution in FAAC. However, for reasons unknown to us, the money which the Nigeria Customs Service has remitted into the appropriate account was not transferred to the federation account, and the Service cannot provide an explanation for this, he had stated.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, had interrupted, asking, So, your stance is that the funds were indeed sent to the account specified by the Accountant-General, and it is not within your responsibility to transfer it to the federation account?”
Replying, the late Andrew said, “Yes. The same applies for 2017, as shown on the next page. If you examine 2016, it includes other levies. Sir, I may need to drink some water.
“Please, go ahead, “Bamidele responded, adding, “Would you like some tea? Can someone assist him?” Shortly after, Andrew collapsed and was hurried to the House of Representatives Clinic, where he passed away.
In a statement released by Abdullahi Maiwada, the Public Relations Officer of Customs, the Service expressed its shock over his death.
“It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the death of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien. He served as the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Account Unit of the service. Deputy Comptroller Essien, responsible for reconciling revenue for the service, passed away on June 25, 2024, during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.
During his presentation, about three minutes in, Deputy Comptroller Essien asked for water and displayed signs of distress. Despite prompt efforts to assist him, he sadly passed away.
“Born on November 16, 1967, Deputy Comptroller Essien joined the Nigeria Customs Service on November 27,
1989, and served the nation for over three decades. From Nsit- Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, he was known for his diligence and outstanding service record in the Accounts Unit. His role as DC Revenue was crucial in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue, a task he performed with exceptional
precision and dedication. “On behalf of the entire officers and staff of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Deputy Comptroller Essien. The loss
of such a dedicated and valued team member is deeply felt across the Service. We are committed to supporting his family and colleagues. as they navigate this difficult time.”
