The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cracked down on TLScontact-operated visa application centres.
The crack down means visa application centres for France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja has been sealed over allegations of web of consumer exploitation and defiance of regulatory authority.
The enforcement action was carried out on June 19, 2025, at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in the Central Business District of Abuja.
Led by FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, the operation saw armed support from the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Adeyinka explained that the FCCPC seled the visa application centres after TLScontact repeatedly dodged formal summons and allegedly assaulted FCCPC officials and police during inspections.
Adeyinka emphasized that the centres’ refusal to cooperate, coupled with physical obstruction, left the commission no choice but to lock down operations until full compliance is achieved.
She also mandated the company to appear before the Commission on June 20, to testify, make depositions and provide evidence in relation to failure to receive a letter from the Commission to investigate a complaint and obstruction of investigation or inquiry.
She 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 N20 million or both fine and imprisonment.”
