All transactions that have been made in the sale of Niam Residence apartments, a residence that is a part of Maldives Hajj Corporation's project to boost their financial status and gain company-wide benefits, are set to be voided.

The corporation stated the transactions are being voided so they can restart their efforts in a way that benefits the company the most.

The basis for leasing apartments from Niam Residence which is being constructed at Hulhumale' was determined previously, with Hajj Corporation's staff having conducted transactions for the purchase of flats. Former Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel and senior leadership have been subject to criticism due to their involvement in this.

While Shakeel was still in office and the project was ongoing, he took on a position at the Elections Commission (EC).

According to a statement Hajj Corporation released last night regarding the flat project that will also be opened up to the public, the corporation said they have decided to restart their unit allocation efforts. The company said this includes setting unit prices and that they are working on opening up unit sales to the public.

The statement further reads that all previous transactions related to the housing project have been voided.

"All apartment sales for our staff within these efforts until now will be voided," reads the statement.

The design contract for the project, which will be opened up to the public, was awarded to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) on 24th September 2024.

Before it was publicly announced however, Hajj Corporation offered their permanent staff the opportunity to purchase flats. Sources state current EC President Shakeel, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Najeel Ahmed and the Deputy Managing Director bought flats at that point in time.

However, after having signed the agreement for the flats, Shakeel and Najeel have both left the company.

While transactions for the sale of Niam Residence apartments have now been voided, the corporation's staff continue to pay a booking fee in montly installments for the apartments.