In a significant move to streamline government operations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Ahmed Shiyam as the Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Ocean Resources. The appointment follows the administrative merger of the previously separate ministries of Fisheries and Agriculture.

The restructuring comes in the wake of a substantial electoral setback for the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) in the recent local council elections. In response, President Muizzu has initiated a broad overhaul of his executive team, reducing the cabinet from 20 to 15 ministerial portfolios.

While the majority of the newly configured cabinet was sworn in last night, Shiyam’s appointment took place during a dedicated ceremony at the President’s Office today. Reports indicate that Shiyam was unable to attend the initial swearing-in ceremony as he was out of the country at the time. With this appointment, the Ministry of Defence remains the only portfolio yet to be officially finalized under the revised cabinet structure.