The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday, June 19, sealed the France, Belgium, and Italy visa application centres in Abuja, citing obstruction of investigation and mistreatment of its officials.
The enforcement action took place at the TLS Contact offices located in Mukhtar El-Yakub House in the Central Business District.
It involved operatives of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who supported FCCPC officers after resistance from the staff.
Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department at FCCPC, said the sealing followed the centre’s refusal to accept a letter from the Commission relating to a consumer complaint.
“This is an enforcement operation against TLS. As you are aware, they provide visa support services to Nigerian consumers,” she said.
Adeyinka explained that on March 25, 2025, the Commission served the company a letter regarding a consumer complaint as part of its resolution process.
READ ALSO: FCCPC Unveils Digital Traceability Portal to Combat Fake Products
“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),” she said.
She added that the Commission issued a summons in line with Section 33 of the FCCPA requiring TLS to appear before it. However, the company allegedly obstructed the process again.
“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,” she said.
Adeyinka noted that TLS is now required to appear before the FCCPC on June 20 to respond to the complaints and present evidence.
“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.
She also said the company would be held responsible for any losses suffered by visa applicants as a result of the centre’s closure.