House of Reps investigative hearing: Customs mourns Deputy Comptroller

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that it is mourning the death of a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Essien, who died on Tuesday during a House of Reps investigative hearing.

D’Gallery gathered that Essien died at the National Assembly Clinic in Abuja on Tuesday.

He was a guest of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives where he appeared for questioning on Tuesday in continuation of the ongoing probe of revenue-generating agencies and parastatals of government.

In a statement, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said until his death, Essien had served as the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Accounts Unit of the Service.

“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,” Maiwada said.

He also disclosed that Essien who was born in 1967, hailed from Akwa Ibom and joined the Service in 1989.

Maiwada said the deceased was known for his diligence and exceptional service record in the accounts unit.

“His role as the Deputy Comptroller of revenue was pivotal in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue, which he performed with utmost precision and dedication,” he added.

In the statement, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Service, extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.

“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,” Adeniyi said.