The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to provide the Maldives Customs Service with a grant fund of USD 25 million. This was disclosed by the Commissioner General of Customs Yoosuf Maaniu, during a meeting of the Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services.
Addressing the Parliamentary Committee, Commissioner Maaniu disclosed that ADB would be providing them with a grant of USD 25 million to computerise and digitise customs operations as well as set up information technology (IT) infrastructure. He noted that the funds will be made available before the end of 2025.
Furthermore, Maaniu stated that the fund will help Customs to establish IT infrastructure and strengthen security without depending on the state budget. He, however, noted that they need to hire more staff before the upgrade, to provide more adequate services.
Additionally, Maaniu said that they have held successful discussions with India to provide free, six months training programme for 100 customs officers this year. He stressed that all the expenses of the training will be borne by the government of India.
Moreover, Maaniu noted that very few of their officers can read scan reports. He stated that the work is arranged by using officials from the enforcement department. Maaniu, however, noted that they have been seizing 99 percent of the drugs that were being smuggled via air, even without adequate, trained staff. He added that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has been assisting them with their work.
Lack of modern facilities and port space is a main concern that the Customs has been raising for a long time. They have also raised concerns about the security arrangements at the Velana International Airport (VIA).