The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the visa centres for France, Belgium, and Italy located at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in Abuja’s Central Business District.
This action was executed with the support of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, despite resistance from the centres’ staff.
The centre is being managed by TLS Contact, a Teleperformance Company.
According to Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the FCCPC’s Surveillance and Investigations Department, the centres were sealed because they failed to acknowledge a letter from the Commission regarding a consumer complaint.
Additionally, the FCCPC cited obstruction of investigation or inquiry and providing services believed to be detrimental to consumer welfare as reasons for the closure.
The centres have been ordered to appear before the FCCPC on June 20 to provide testimony and evidence concerning their refusal to accept the Commission’s letter and their alleged obstruction of the investigation.
Adeyinka said:“This is an enforcement operation against TLS. As you are aware, they provide visa support services to Nigerian consumers.
“On the 25th of March 2025, based on a consumer complaint, a letter was served on them to address the consumer complaint, as is the process of amicable resolution of consumer complaints at the commission.
“The officers of TLS, rather than receive the consumer complaint, proceeded to assault our officers who were conducting the lawful duty of protecting and implementing the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
“Upon receipt of that report, the commission directed that they should be summoned (1:25) to appear before the commission pursuant to Section 33 of the FCCPA.
“Rather than receive the summons of the commission, officers of TLS again on June 17, proceeded not only to assault our officers but also assaulted uniformed officers of the police force who were providing lawful security for the operations of the commission.
“Section 33 stipulates that any person who, without sufficient cause, fails or refuses to appear before the commission in compliance with a summons commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or fine not exceeding #20 million or both fine and imprisonment.”
Adeyinka directed that the company would be liable for all losses and expenses encountered by visa applicants as a result of the enforcement.
As of press time, the management of the company has yet to react to the closure.
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