BREAKING: Customs Officer Dies at House of Reps Investigative Hearing

Essien Etop Andrew, the Deputy Comptroller of Finance Administration and Technical Service of the Nigerian Customs Service, passed away on Tuesday at the National Assembly Clinic in Abuja.

Andrew was attending a session with the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives as part of an ongoing investigation into revenue-generating agencies and government parastatals. During his testimony on the remittance of levies into designated government accounts, he suddenly requested water, stating, “Sir, I need to take water.” The Committee Chairman, Bamidele Salam, responded, “You need to take water, sir? Yes, go ahead! Or if you need tea… Do you need tea?”

Andrew repeated his request for water before collapsing. Despite immediate medical attention at the National Assembly Clinic, he unfortunately passed away.

The House of Representatives later confirmed his death in a statement by their spokesman, Akin Rotimi. The statement expressed deep sadness and extended condolences to Andrew’s family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation.

The statement read in part, “It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the Nigeria Customs Service who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee. Despite the immediate and diligent efforts of first responders and medical personnel at the National Assembly Clinic, he unfortunately passed away.”

The House expressed readiness to support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and assured cooperation with relevant authorities. Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, also conveyed his condolences, emphasizing the loss of a dedicated public servant and asking for patience and respect for the privacy of the family during this period of mourning.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.