The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has shut down the Abuja office of a popular visa support provider, Contact Tele-performance Company (TLS), which handles visa applications for France, Belgium, and Italy.
The action follows ongoing investigations into consumer complaints and alleged obstruction of lawful enforcement efforts.
The enforcement team, led by the Commission’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, sealed the premises after repeated incidents of non-cooperation. She explained that the company’s actions left the Commission with no other choice but to take this serious step.
The investigation began in March 2025, after several Nigerians reported that TLS had collected payments for visa services that were never delivered. Consumers expressed frustration over prolonged delays and lack of proper communication. On March 25, FCCPC served TLS a formal letter to begin the resolution process. However, instead of complying, agents at the centre allegedly assaulted FCCPC officials who were acting under legal authority.
Things escalated when TLS representatives reportedly refused to accept a summons to appear before the Commission. According to Adeyinka, they even went as far as physically confronting police officers assigned to provide lawful protection during the visit.
She noted, “In line with Section 18(1)(f) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Tunji Bello directed the sealing of the premises.”
Adeyinka said the Commission suspects that the company’s operations may be harmful to consumers and, as a result, suspended all activity at the centre. TLS senior officers, including its country manager and centre manager, have been directed to appear before the Commission no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025.
She warned that failure to honour this summons would lead to serious legal consequences. “Section 33(3) of the FCCPC Act stipulates that failure to comply with a summons, without sufficient cause, is an offense punishable by up to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to ₦20m, or both.”
“Section 33(4) goes further to state that any person who willfully obstructs or interrupts proceedings of the Commission is liable to the same penalties. TLS’s actions clearly fall under these violations.”
The Director urged affected customers to come forward with evidence, including proof of payment or communication with TLS, to help support the ongoing investigation. She also noted that the sealing of TLS’s Abuja office serves as a warning to all service providers that the FCCPC will not tolerate abuse or neglect of consumers.
