Essien Etop Andrew, the deputy comptroller of finance administration and technical service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has died.

Andrew coughed while answering members of the House of Representatives committee on public account on Tuesday and slumped to his death afterwards, according to TheCable.

He was rushed to a clinic in the National Assembly Complex. There, doctors pronounced him dead.

Reacting via a statement, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house of representatives, said the house 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, said the development saddened the lower chamber.

In Andrew’s honour, the committee on public account will take a week-long break and reconvene afterwards.