Deputy comptroller of finance administration and technical service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Essien Andrew died on Tuesday while responding to questions at a hearing organised by the House Committee on Public Accounts.
Reacting to the incident, the House of Representatives expressed shock in a statement by the chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi.
The statement said, “It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the NCS who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee.
“During the engagement, which occurred around 1.00 p.m. on June 25, the official developed sudden health complications.”
Rotimi said the official was attended to at the National Assembly Clinic, but it was fruitless.
He added that the House commiserates with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
“We recognise the significant contributions he made to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our nation.
“The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, expressed his condolences, saying the House is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dedicated public servant.
“Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time,” said the statement.
Rotimi noted that the House would support efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
