Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed
Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 16, 1978 Maldives |
| Occupation(s) | Government official, political leader |
| Years active | 1996–2024 |
| Known for | Commissioner General of Maldives Customs, President of the National Integrity Commission (NIC) |
Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed (; born 16 March 1978) is a prominent Maldivian figure recognized for his influential roles in governance and political leadership. He held the position of Commissioner General of Maldives Customs and served as president of the National Integrity Commission (NIC), where he championed transparency and ethical standards within the public sector, gaining acclaim for his contributions to governance and anti-corruption initiatives.
Maaniu's forthright critiques of the police and advocacy for openness rendered him a divisive personality at NIC. While his proponents regarded his efforts as vital for accountability and reform, detractors perceived them as confrontational toward law enforcement and government authorities. His opposition to senior police leadership intensified friction within NIC and the wider political sphere.
Following his period as Customs Commissioner, Maaniu was appointed State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, a role he resigned from shortly after taking office.
Education and early career
Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed completed an MBA specializing in general management at Federation University Australia between 2007 and 2009, along with a bachelor's degree in marketing from Northumbria University during 2000–2003. His foundational schooling took place at Wycherley International School and Belvoir College International.
He launched his professional journey as a civil works planner at Maldives Ports Limited from 1996 to 1997, subsequently working as a financial consultant with JPMorgan Chase & Co in the United States and Malaysia between 2000 and 2003, focusing on customer acquisition strategies and financial assessment. From 2003 to 2006, he directed administration and human resources at Horizon Fisheries Pvt. Ltd, managing a workforce exceeding 400 employees.
In 2007, Maaniu led the Job Center within the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, overseeing employment services. Later, as CEO of Sifainge Co-operative under the Maldives National Defence Force (2009–2010), he directed operations and crafted resource management plans. His career encompasses both public administration and private sector leadership roles.
President of the National Integrity Commission (NIC)
Appointed to Maldives' National Integrity Commission (NIC) in October 2015, Maaniu was soon elected its president. He was responsible for supervising critical government bodies including the Maldives Police Service, Customs, Correctional Service, and Immigration departments, ensuring adherence to legal standards and transparency.
During his leadership, he prioritized accountability within public institutions but encountered disputes with police authorities. In 2016, Maaniu accused police personnel of hindering NIC investigations into allegations of misconduct, cautioning that uncooperative officers would “face the full legal power of the NIC.” This clash attracted considerable media scrutiny.
In 2017, then-President Abdulla Yameen removed Maaniu from his post following accusations made against senior police officials and his attempts to uphold accountability measures. This dismissal sparked controversy regarding political interference in autonomous bodies intended to function independently from governmental influence.
Commissioner General of Maldives Customs
On 20 November 2023, Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed was appointed commissioner general of Maldives Customs by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. His service concluded on 22 July 2024. Throughout his tenure, Maaniu introduced measures aimed at improving trade facilitation, strengthening border security, and combating smuggling activities.
Under his guidance, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program was launched on 29 January 2024, featuring Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels designed to promote secure trade practices and enhance customs compliance. He also spearheaded procurement efforts for drones sourced from the United States and China to bolster border surveillance capabilities, alongside deploying an 85-foot vessel acquired from Japan for maritime monitoring purposes.
In anti-smuggling initiatives, Maaniu oversaw seizures amounting to USD 103,905.97 worth of illicit cigarettes while also intercepting an additional 3.2 million contraband cigarettes through coordinated operations with the Maldives Police Service and MNDF.
Transition to State Minister
Following his role as Commissioner General of Customs from 20 November 2023 until 22 July 2024, Maaniu was elevated to the position of State Minister within the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. This promotion acknowledged his significant contributions to the advancement of customs procedures and the enhancement of national security measures.
Nonetheless, his period serving as State Minister was notably short-lived; he stepped down soon after assuming the role. The exact motives behind his resignation have not been made public, resulting in an unexpected departure from government service.