The Deputy Comptroller in charge of revenue at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Essien Etop Andrew, slumped inside the National Assembly earlier today, June 25 and passed away.
When he coughed and slumped, the customs chief was answering questions from members of the House of Representatives committee on public account.
He was rushed to the National Assembly Clinic where he was confirmed dead.
Bamidele Salam, chairman of the committee, said the panel will suspend other 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,” the lawmaker said in an interview with 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 of the House of Representatives, said the green chamber would “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 of Representatives, expressed his condolences, saying the lower legislative chamber is “deeply saddened” by the officer’s death.
