JUST IN: Tinubu Reacts as Customs Deputy Comptroller Slumps, Dies at National Assembly

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Etop Essien, the deputy comptroller in charge of revenue at the Nigeria Customs Service
• Essien died shortly after showing signs of discomfort during a presentation at the National Assembly, Abuja, on public accounts on Tuesday, June 25
• The president condolence message was conveyed in a statement by his top media aide, Ajuri Ngelale

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.

FCT, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night, June 25, said he received the news of the death of Etop Andrew Essien, the deputy comptroller in charge of revenue at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with profound sadness.

Legit.ng had reported how Essien passed away shortly after showing signs of discomfort during a presentation before the National Assembly house committee on public accounts on Tuesday, June 25.

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During his presentation, approximately three minutes in, Essien requested water and showed signs of discomfort. Despite immediate efforts to assist him, he unfortunately passed away.

According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, Tinubu extended his "heartfelt condolences" to Essien's family, describing his passing as most distressing.

Furthermore, President Tinubu commiserated with the comptroller general of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as the officers, men, and women of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Nigerian leader prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased officer and comfort for his family.

Customs mourns Etop Essien

In the same vein, Adeniyi, the comptroller general of the customs, on behalf of the officers and men of the NCS, extended heartfelt condolences to Essien's family.

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Adeniyi 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."

More to read on Nigerian Customs

• CBN leaves customs FX rate for cargo clearance unchanged for 3 weeks as naira nears N1,500/ dollar
• Importers to pay less as customs set to establish stable FX rates for imports
• CBN adjusts customs exchange rates for cargo clearances as dollar, pound, euro crash against naira

Customs increase dollar rate to clear goods

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the NCS again raised its foreign exchange rate for tariffs and duties collection.

According to data from the federal government's single-window trade portal, importers will now pay N1,624.732 per dollar.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng