By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the visa application centres for France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja.
The FCCPC cited allegations of extortion and obstruction of investigations as the reason for the move.
The operation, backed by law enforcement, targeted the TLS Visa Application Centre, which has been accused of fleecing visa applicants and stonewalling regulatory probes.
According to a statement issued by FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, the agency acted after credible intelligence revealed a pattern of consumer rights violations, including assault on government officials and refusal to honor lawful summons.
She said: “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 #20 million or both fine and imprisonment.”
Adeyinka directed that the company would be liable for all losses and expenses encountered by visa applicants as a result of the enforcement.
