News Desk
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has merged the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture, creating the new Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources as part of his latest effort to streamline government administration and reduce state expenditure. The decision follows a week of political restructuring and comes less than a day after ten cabinet ministers resigned, prompting one of the most significant shake‑ups of this administration.
Ahmed Shiyam, who previously served as Minister of Fisheries, has been appointed to lead the newly formed ministry. He received his letter of appointment at the President’s Office this morning before taking his oath as a cabinet member. After the swearing‑in, he signed the official document of office, formalising his position in the restructured cabinet.
The merger places fisheries, agriculture and marine resources under a single portfolio, a move the government says will strengthen coordination between related sectors and improve productivity. Officials have framed the change as part of a broader push to eliminate overlapping mandates, accelerate decision making and create a leaner state apparatus.
With the restructuring, the total number of ministries has been reduced from 20 to 15. Last night, 12 ministers took the oath of office following the mass resignations earlier in the day, marking a rapid reset of the cabinet as the administration seeks to regain momentum after the local council elections.
The government maintains that the new configuration will support more efficient service delivery, though the impact of the changes will become clearer as the newly consolidated ministries begin operating under their revised mandates.
