The Nigeria Customs Service has formally announced the death of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Account Unit of the service, who died at the National Assembly Clinic in Abuja on Tuesday.
SHIPS & PORTS had earlier reported that Essien passed away while making a presentation to the House Committee on Public Accounts.
“It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the passing of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien, who served as the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Account Unit of the service. Deputy Comptroller Essien, who was in charge of the reconciliation of revenue for the service, passed away on the 25th of June 2024 while making presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.
“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,” Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
The late Essien, who hailed from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, was born on November 16, 1967. He joined Nigeria Customs Service on November 27, 1989 and was due for retirement in five months.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Deputy Comptroller Essien,” the statement further read.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His exemplary service and unwavering commitment to duty will be remembered and cherished by the entire NCS community. The Nigeria Customs Service will forever remember Deputy Comptroller Essien for his outstanding contributions, his exemplary service, and his dedication to the nation. We honour his memory, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
Deputy Comptroller Essien is survived by a wife and children.