The Deputy Comptroller of Finance Administration and Technical Service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Essien Etop Andrew, on Tuesday, slumped and died at the National Assembly, Abuja.
Andrew collapsed during a hearing before a House of Representatives Committee and all efforts to revive him by fellow officers, his aides and lawmakers failed.
The Customs top shot appeared before the House Committee on Public Accounts and was reading when he requested for water.
He tried to open the bottle of water but could not. Another Customs Officer beside him helped him to open the bottle of water.
Andrew suddenly coughed and slumped.
After efforts to revive him failed, he was immediately rushed to the National Assembly Clinic, where he was confirmed dead.
An eye witness said Andrew suffered a medical emergency during the committee proceedings.
Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Committee, said the panel would suspend other hearings for one week to honour Andrew.
Salam said: “It was a very sad incident. He was very eloquent and clearly understood the issues being considered.
“He suddenly said he wanted to drink water, to which we obliged and even asked if he needed some tea. It is unfortunate he died like that”.
