In a tragic incident, the Nigeria Customs Service lost one of its senior officials, Essien Etop Andrew, the Deputy Comptroller of Finance Administration and Technical Services. Mr. Andrew collapsed and died while being questioned by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Account. The incident occurred amidst an ongoing probe into the remittance of levies by revenue-generating agencies and government parastatals.
Incident Overview
Mr. Essien Etop Andrew was participating in a questioning session with the House Committee on Public Account concerning the remittance of levies into designated government accounts. During the session, he paused and requested water but collapsed before it could be brought to him. He was immediately taken to the National Assembly Clinic, where he was pronounced dead.
Official Confirmation
The parliament’s spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, confirmed the unfortunate event. In his statement, he expressed deep sadness and regret over the passing of the esteemed official. He noted that the incident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, during the official’s engagement with the House Committee. Despite the swift response from first responders and medical personnel, Mr. Andrew’s life could not be saved.
Respect for the Family
Mr. Rotimi emphasized that, out of respect for the family, the name of the deceased would not be disclosed immediately. He stated, “The House of Representatives stands ready to support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is cooperating fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols are followed.”
Conclusion
The sudden demise of Essien Etop Andrew has cast a pall over the Nigeria Customs Service and the House of Representatives. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances leading to this tragic event and providing support to the deceased’s family.
