JUST IN: Last Thing Customs Deputy Comptroller Asked For Before He Slumped, Died At NASS

At the time Deputy Comptroller Essien Etop Andrew of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) walked into the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday, no one anticipated the tragic turn of events that would follow.

Andrew, who oversaw Finance, Administration, and Technical Services at the NCS, led a team of top customs officers to the House of Representatives for an investigative hearing by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Andrew and his colleagues were there to present on revenue remittances by the Service. During his presentation, Andrew explained, “These levies as stated earlier are listed as federation account levies and it is the responsibility of the office of the Accountant-General to say this money for sharing in FAAC, but for whatever reason that this money, which the Nigeria Customs Service has remitted into the appropriate account, was not sent to the federation account, is what the service cannot explain.”

Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Committee, questioned, “So your position is that this money was actually sent to the account provided by the Accountant-General and that the obligation of now taking it to the federation account is out of your own purview?”

Andrew responded affirmatively, “Yes. The same thing applies for 2017 and 2017 can be seen in the next page. If you look at 2016, it encompasses other levies. Sir, I may need to take water.”

Salam responded, “Go ahead. Do you need tea? Can somebody please attend to him?”

Shortly after, Andrew collapsed and was rushed to the House of Representatives Clinic, where he unfortunately passed away.

The NCS expressed shock and sadness in a statement by Abdullahi Maiwada, Public Relations Officer of Customs: “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the passing of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien. During his presentation, approximately three minutes in, Deputy Comptroller Essien requested water and showed signs of discomfort. Despite immediate efforts to assist him, he unfortunately passed away.”

Maiwada highlighted Andrew’s career: “Deputy Comptroller Essien was born on the 16th of November 1967 and joined the Nigeria Customs Service on the 27th of November 1989 with over three decades of service to our nation. Hailing from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, he was known for his diligence and exceptional service record in the Accounts Unit. His role as the DC Revenue was pivotal in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue, which he performed with utmost precision and dedication.”

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed condolences: “On behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, 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 and assisting his family and colleagues as they navigate this difficult period.”

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