The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has shut down the visa application centres of France, Belgium, and Italy located at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in Abuja’s Central Business District.
The closure was carried out with the support of operatives from the FCCPC, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), after staff at the centre attempted to resist the enforcement action.
Speaking during the operation on Thursday, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department at the FCCPC, stated that the centres were sealed for failing to acknowledge a formal notice from the Commission regarding a consumer complaint under investigation.
She further explained that the shutdown was due to obstruction of the inquiry, as well as the provision of services deemed—upon reasonable suspicion—to be detrimental to consumer welfare.
Mrs Adeyinka directed the company to appear before the Commission on 20th June to present testimony, submit written statements, and furnish evidence concerning their failure to respond to the FCCPC’s notice and their obstruction of the investigation.
“This is an enforcement operation against TLSku
“As you are aware, they provide visa support services to Nigerian consumers.
“On the 25th of March 2025, based on 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 said.
Adeyinka directed that the Company would be liable for all losses and expenses encountered by visa applicants as a result of the enforcement.
However, the Management of the company refused to comment on the matter.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre is being managed by TLS Contact, a Teleperformance Company.
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