The Provisional Committee of the Proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has warned Nigerians against fake recruitment into the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard.

The committee also cautioned fraudsters against collecting money or falsely claiming government authority to recruit personnel into the proposed organisation.

In a statement issued by its Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, the committee said the Coast Guard Bill remains before the National Assembly.

It said no recruitment into the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard had been authorised, stressing that the organisation had not been legally established.

“National institutions must never be reduced to personal claims or private interests. Their legitimacy must be protected with discipline and fidelity to the law,” it said.

The committee said no individual or organisation currently had the authority to recruit, appoint, train or confer ranks in the name of the proposed Coast Guard.

It also warned against the unauthorised issuance of identity cards, certificates and uniforms, or the collection of money under the name of the proposed organisation.

“Advocacy is not government authority. A Bill is not an operational institution,” the committee said.

The PC-NCG urged members of the public not to pay recruitment, training or placement fees to individuals claiming to represent the proposed Coast Guard.

It also advised Nigerians not to accept uniforms, ranks, identity cards or certificates issued by private individuals or organisations.

The committee urged anyone who receives recruitment claims to verify such information through appropriate government authorities before taking any action.

It warned that fraudulent activities could result in financial exploitation, false employment expectations and damage to the credibility of the Coast Guard proposal.

The committee called on security and government agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals found misusing the name of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard.

It said it would provide relevant evidence to competent authorities whenever lawfully required.

“Nigeria needs a Coast Guard that begins with law, legitimacy and professionalism, not confusion,” Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, Capt. Noah Ichaba, said.

“Its authority must come from the Constitution and an Act of the National Assembly, not private declarations,” he said.