Nigeria customs service deputy comptroller dies suddenly during House session

Essien Etop Andrew, the deputy comptroller of finance administration and technical service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has died.

The customs deputy comptroller was answering questions from members of the House of Representatives committee on public accounts when he coughed and collapsed.

Andrew was rushed to the National Assembly clinic, where he was confirmed dead.

Bamidele Salam, chairman of the committee, announced that the panel would suspend hearings for one week to honour the late customs chief. “It was a very sad incident.

He was very eloquent and clearly understood the issues being considered,” Salam told TheCable. “He suddenly said he wanted to drink water, to which we obliged and even asked if he needed some tea. It was sad he died in active service. Our committee is suspending other hearings for the week in his honour.”

In a statement, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, said the chamber will “support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is cooperating fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols are followed.”

Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, expressed his condolences, saying the lower legislative chamber is “deeply saddened” by the officer’s death.