The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), with support from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has sealed the visa centres of France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja
The centre is being managed by TLS Contact, a Teleperformance Company.
According to Director of the FCCPC’s Surveillance and Investigations Department, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, the centres were sealed because the company failed to acknowledge a letter from the commission regarding a customer’s complaint as well its obstruction of investigation or inquiry and providing services believed to be detrimental to consumer welfare.
Following the action, the FCCPC had ordered the operators of the centres to appear before it today and explain why they failed to accept the Commission’s letter and their alleged obstruction of the investigation.
The Director stated: “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”, she added.
Adeyinka maintained that TLS Contact would be liable for all losses and expenses suffered by visa applicants as a result of the enforcement.
