A top officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in charge of revenue in the Accounts Department, Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien, has slumped and died while appearing before the House of Representatives at the national assembly in Abuja today.
Deputy Comptroller Essien, who was in charge of the reconciliation of revenue for the service, died while making presentation before the House Committee on Public Accounts.
During his presentation, approximately three minutes in, Essien requested for water and showed signs of discomfort. Despite immediate efforts to assist him, he unfortunately passed away.
National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the sad incident in a statement.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, 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,” Maiwada stated.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His exemplary service and unwavering commitment to duty will be remembered and cherished by the entire NCS community. The Nigeria Customs Service will forever remember Deputy Comptroller Essien for his outstanding contributions, his exemplary service, and his dedication to the nation. We honour his memory, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
Essien joined the Nigeria Customs Service on the 27th of November 1989. He hailed from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State.
The Customs spokesman said his role as the DC Revenue was pivotal in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue, which he performed with utmost precision and dedication.
