President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Mr Etop Essien, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of revenue at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with profound sadness.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Tuesday, said the President extended his condolences to the family of Essien.
He described Essien’s passing while on an official assignment as most distressing.
Essien passed away shortly after showing signs of discomfort during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts, on Tuesday.
“The President also commiserates with the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as the officers, men, and women of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased officer and comfort for his family,” said the statement.
——-Customs Mourns Loss of Etop Andrew Essien——
By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced with profound sadness the passing of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien. Deputy Comptroller Essien, who was responsible for the reconciliation of revenue in the Account Unit, who tragically passed away on Tuesday, during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.
Essien’s sudden demise according to a press statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the service Abdullahi Maiwada, occurred approximately three minutes into his presentation where he requested water and displayed signs of discomfort.
The service stated that despite immediate efforts to assist him, he passed away shortly thereafter.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the Essien’s family, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on behalf of the entire NCS said “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,” he said.
“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,” the CGC added.
Born on November 16, 1967, Deputy Comptroller Essien joined the Nigeria Customs Service on November 27, 1989. With over three decades of dedicated service, he was renowned for his diligence and exceptional performance in the Accounts Unit. Hailing from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, Essien played a crucial role in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue for the NCS.
Deputy Comptroller Essien is survived by his loving wife and children.
——Reps Mourn Deceased Deputy Controller——
Also, the House of Representatives has expressed shock over the death of a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officer at the National Assembly in Abuja ,while attending a committee meeting.
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said, in a statement on Tuesday, that the death came as a rude shock to the lawmakers.
“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”,he said.
According to him, in spite of the immediate and diligent efforts of first responders and medical personnel at the National Assembly Clinic, he unfortunately passed away.
He said the official’s name would not be disclosed at this time,out of respect for his family.
According to him, the House extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time.
“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.”
Rotimi said the House would support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that it would cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols were followed.
The House spokesman said that further information would be provided on the incident, calling for patience and respect for the privacy of the family during the period of mourning
