In a historic move, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Fathimath Dhiyana as the new Commissioner General of Customs, making her the first woman to hold this position in the Maldives. Dhiyana, who has served as a deputy commissioner, brings 23 years of experience within the Customs service to her new role.
This leadership change comes as Yoosuf Maniu, the previous Commissioner General of Customs, has been dismissed from his post. Maniu, who was appointed to the position in November last year, has now been reassigned as a State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. The reassignment of Maniu, despite his dismissal as Customs Commissioner, raises questions about the rationale behind his new appointment. Critics may wonder why an individual deemed unsuitable for the Customs role would be considered appropriate for a senior ministerial position. The government has not provided detailed reasons for his dismissal but has instead emphasised the significance of Dhiyana’s appointment and her extensive experience in Customs.
Dhiyana’s long-standing career in Customs is expected to bring stability and continued progress to the agency, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economic and security frameworks. As the new Commissioner General of Customs, Dhiyana is anticipated to lead with a focus on efficiency and integrity, leveraging her extensive background to address the challenges faced by the department. Meanwhile, Maniu’s new role as a State Minister will likely involve leveraging his previous experience in national security, although the exact responsibilities and objectives of his new position remain to be clarified.
The reshuffle illustrates the dynamic nature of leadership within Maldivian governmental agencies and the ongoing efforts to ensure effective governance through strategic appointments. The public and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the operations and effectiveness of the Customs service and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
