Late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien during the presentation

Details have emerged that the late Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, DC Etop Andrew Essien, who died Tuesday in Abuja while making a presentation to the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives during a revenue probe was due to retire from the Service in November, 2024.

Until his sudden demise on Tuesday, DC Essien was the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue in the Accounts Unit of the Service and had led other officers of the Service to the revenue probe organised by the House Committee, where he met his untimely death.

Records released by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada indicate that the late Deputy Comptroller, who was born on November 16, 1967, joined the Service on November 27, 1989.

A statement released by the National Image- Maker of the Service in Abuja, Wednesday reads in part: “Deputy Comptroller Essien was born on the 16th of November 1967 and joined the Nigeria Customs Service on the 27th of November 1989 with over three decades of service to our nation.”

According to Civil Service Regulation, which stipulates that a public officer would mandatorily retire from service at the age of 60 years or after putting in 35 years in service, depending whichever comes first, the late DC Essien would have retired from the Service on November 26, 2024 when he would have turned exactly 35 years in service.

It was gathered that while making a presentation on the revenue remittances by the Service, he had told the committee: “These levies as stated earlier, are listed as federation account levies and it is the responsibility of the Office of the Accountant General to say that this money is for sharing by the Federation Account Allocation Committee FAAC, but for whatever reason that this money, which the Nigeria Customs Service has remitted into the appropriate account was not sent to the Federation Account, is what the Service cannot give explanation.”

It was further reported that the Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam, had asked him: “So your position is that this money was actually sent to the account provided by the Accountant-General and that the obligation of now taking it to the Federation Account is out of your own purview?”

In response, the deceased was said to have answered in the affirmative and further went on to say: “The same thing applies for 2017, and 2017 can be seen in the next page. If you look at 2016, it encompasses other levies.”

It was however learnt that the late Deputy Comptroller was about three minutes into his presentation when he began to show signs of discomfort and subsequently requested for water.

“Please I need some water”, he had said as he was said to have slumped shortly after and died before he could receive any medical assistance.

The Public Relations Officer, who extolled the virtues of the late Deputy Comptroller in the statement said: “Late DC Essien, who hailed from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, was known for his diligence and exceptional service record in the Accounts Unit. His role as the DC Revenue was pivotal in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue, which he performed with utmost precision and dedication.

“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.

“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 late Deputy Comptroller Essien is survived by his loving wife and children.