MACL Deputy Managing Director Lamman Resigns Amidst a Period of Expanding Mandate and Rising Scrutiny

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed the resignation of Deputy Managing Director Lamman, who has stepped down to take up a position at another company.

The leadership change coincides with heightened scrutiny over MACL’s rapidly expanding responsibilities under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. The company has been tasked with delivering a wide range of government‑assigned projects that extend far beyond airport operations.

These include:

• Reclamation and construction of Komandoo Airport

• Expansion of Kadhdhoo International Airport, including a new 2,800‑metre runway

• Development of a terminal and fire station at Thaa Vilufushi Airport

• Reclamation works for HA. Dhidhdhoo Airport

  
  

In addition to aviation‑related projects, MACL is overseeing several major land reclamation initiatives:

• 97.15‑hectare reclamation at Giraavaru Falhu

• Maafaru Falhu urban development project

• 11‑hectare reclamation at Thaa Gaadhiffushi

• Involvement in Ras Malé and Hulhumalé Phase 3, two of the largest urban expansion projects currently underway

  
  

MACL’s mandate has also expanded into sports infrastructure, including:

• Construction of multi‑sport complexes in Vilimalé and Hulhumalé

• Establishment of fitness centres across 63 islands

• Development of the Fonadhoo Sports Complex, featuring a 1,200‑seat capacity

  
  

The scale and diversity of these assignments have raised questions about whether MACL, already responsible for the country’s main international gateway has the capacity to manage such a broad portfolio while maintaining operational standards.

Critics have also pointed to what they describe as an oversized roster of political appointees, alleging that hundreds of politically affiliated individuals have been placed within the company.

Recently former Chief of Staff at the President’s Office Ahmed Musthafa Mohamed publicly alleged that he previously dismissed Lamman from Channel 13 (CH13) over financial misconduct involving a fiber‑optic cable project.

In a social media post, Musthafa claimed:

He fired Lamman for diverting funds intended for fiber‑optic cable installation into a private restaurant business

Lamman allegedly provided fake payment slips to show that cable payments had been made The contractor, identified as Niyaz, allegedly cut or destroyed the cables twice due to non‑payment disputes.

Musthafa further alleged that similar procurement patterns are now visible at MACL, claiming that cables are being purchased at inflated prices, with kickbacks routed to a Dubai‑registered company, Coastal Heights LLC FZ. These allegations have not been independently verified, and MACL has not issued a response.

MACL has not commented on Lamman’s resignation beyond confirming his departure, nor has it addressed the allegations raised by Musthafa. There has been no indication of an internal review or external investigation.

There are indications that Lamman resigned to assume a position at another state‑owned enterprise. Sources familiar with the matter have linked his prospective move to Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), though neither MPL nor Lamman has issued any formal confirmation regarding the appointment.