Customs comptroller slums and dies at airport; CG mourns

Report indicate that the Comptroller in charge of the Trade Facilitation Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Anthony Ayalogu, has died.

It was gathered that Ayalogu died at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on October 17, 2022, after falling ill.

Confirming the report, the Customs Public Relations Unit spokesperson, AA Maiwada, said in a statement on Tuesday, October 18, that Ayalogu became unconscious while in transit on an official assignment.

He added that the 57-year-old Comptroller was rushed to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Kano where he was pronounced dead.

The statement read;

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Comptroller Anthony Ayalogu. Until his death, he was the Customs Comptroller in charge of the Trade Facilitation Unit of the Service. He was in transit on an official assignment when he suddenly took ill upon arrival at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and lost consciousness," the statement read.

"All efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful as he was pronounced dead at 2020 hours on Monday 17th October 2022 at 465 Nigerian Airforce Hospital Kano. He was aged 57.

"Comptroller Anthony Ayalogu hailed from Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra state. He held a Bachelor's Degree in Botany from the University of Port Harcourt. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service on 24th September 1991 as cadet Assistant Superintendent.

"Comptroller Ayalogu who was a Fellow at the World Customs Organization (WCO) took over as Comptroller Trade Facilitation on 31 January 2022. He had an outstanding career as the reform champion of the Nigeria Customs Service and had previously served at the System Audit Unit under the Tariff and Trade Department. He is survived by a wife and children.

"The Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), CFR and the entire Officers and men commiserate with the family and friends of the Late Comptroller Anthony Ayalogu. He was a true champion and will be sorely missed. We pray God grants the Ayalogu family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Amen."