When Essien Etop Andrew, the Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, entered the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday, there was no indication he wouldn’t leave the parliament alive,Daily Trust reports.
Andrew led a team of top customs officers to the House of Representatives for an investigative hearing by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He and his colleagues were there to present information on the revenue remittances by the Service.
“These levies, as stated earlier, are listed as federation account levies, and it is the responsibility of the Accountant-General’s office to allocate this money to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). For reasons unknown, the money remitted by the Nigeria Customs Service into the appropriate account was not sent to the federation account. This is something the service cannot explain,” he said.
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Committee Chairman Rep. Bamidele Salam asked, “So your position is that this money was actually sent to the account provided by the Accountant-General, and that the obligation of transferring it to the federation account is beyond your purview?”
Andrew replied, “Yes. The same applies for 2017, which can be seen on the next page. If you look at 2016, it encompasses other levies. Sir, I may need to take water.”
“Go ahead,” Bamidele responded, adding, “Do you need tea? Can someone please attend to him?”
Shortly after, Andrew collapsed and was rushed to the House of Representatives Clinic, where he passed away.
In a statement issued by Abdullahi Maiwada, the Public Relations Officer of Customs, the Service expressed its shock over Andrew’s death.
“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, who served as the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Account Unit of the Service. Deputy Comptroller Essien, responsible for the reconciliation of revenue for the Service, passed away on the 25th of June 2024 while presenting before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.
“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.
“Deputy Comptroller Essien was born on the 16th of November 1967 and joined the Nigeria Customs Service on the 27th of November 1989, dedicating 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 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.”
