Essien Etop Andrew, the deputy comptroller of finance administration and technical service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), died on Tuesday after collapsing during a hearing before a House of Representatives committee, TheCable news is reporting.
Andrew was appearing before the House committee on public accounts when he suddenly coughed and slumped, the report says. He was immediately rushed to the National Assembly clinic, where he was confirmed dead.
The cause of Andrew's death is not yet known, but reports indicate that he suffered a medical emergency during the committee proceedings. The Nigerian Customs Service has not yet released an official statement on the incident.
Nonetheless, 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 told 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 will “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, expressed his condolences, saying the lower legislative chamber is “deeply saddened” by the officer’s death.
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