In a significant enforcement move, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), supported by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has sealed off the visa centres of France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja.
Newsonspot reports that these centres are located at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in the Central Business District and are operated by TLS Contact, a Teleperformance Company.
The action was taken after the visa centre reportedly refused to accept a letter from the FCCPC regarding a consumer complaint. According to Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigations at the FCCPC, the centre was also sealed for obstructing an official investigation and providing services suspected to be harmful to consumer welfare.
Speaking to the press shortly after the operation, Mrs. Adeyinka explained:
“This is an enforcement operation against TLS. As you are aware, they provide visa support services to Nigerian consumers. On March 25, 2025, we served them a letter to address a consumer complaint, which they refused to accept. Instead, TLS officers assaulted our team carrying out lawful duties under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).”
The situation reportedly escalated again on June 17, when TLS staff allegedly assaulted not only FCCPC officers but also uniformed police officers providing security during a follow-up visit.
Mrs. Adeyinka cited Section 33 of the FCCPA, which states that failure to appear before the Commission after being summoned is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to N20 million, or both.
She further ordered TLS to appear before the FCCPC on June 20, 2025, to provide testimony, make depositions, and submit evidence related to the case. She also noted that the company would be held liable for any financial losses incurred by visa applicants due to the centre’s closure.
Despite repeated efforts, the company’s management declined to comment on the incident.
