Essien Etop Andrew, the Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, tragically passed away on Tuesday during an investigative hearing at the National Assembly.
Andrew, who led a team of top customs officers, was present at the House of Representatives for a hearing conducted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The session was focused on the revenue remittances by the NCS. During his presentation, Andrew addressed the committee on the responsibilities and remittances of federation account levies.
“These levies, as stated earlier, are listed as federation account levies. It is the responsibility of the office of the Accountant General to ensure this money is available for sharing in FAAC. However, for reasons unknown, the money which the Nigeria Customs Service has remitted into the appropriate account was not sent to the federation account, which is beyond the service’s explanation,” Andrew explained.
Committee Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, interjected to clarify, “So your position is that this money was actually sent to the account provided by the Accountant-General, and the obligation of now taking it to the federation account is out of your own purview?” “Yes,” Andrew affirmed. “The same thing applies for 2017, as can be seen in the next page. If you look at 2016, it encompasses other levies. Sir, I may need to take water.” “Go ahead,” Salam responded, adding, “Do you need tea? Can somebody please attend to him?”
Moments later, Andrew collapsed. Despite immediate efforts to assist him, he was rushed to the House of Representatives Clinic, where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement issued by Customs Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS expressed profound shock and sadness over Andrew’s untimely death.
“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 a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts,” the statement read.
The NCS detailed that Andrew, born on November 16, 1967, joined the service on November 27, 1989. He hailed from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State and was recognized for his diligence and exceptional service in the Accounts Unit. His role as the Deputy Comptroller of Revenue was crucial in ensuring accurate revenue reconciliation.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Deputy Comptroller Essien. 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,” the statement concluded.
