FCCPC SEALS FRANCE, BELGIUM, ITALY VISA CENTRES IN ABUJA

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the France, Belgium, and Italy visa application centres located at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in Abuja’s Central Business District.

The operation was carried out on Thursday with support from officers of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, following resistance from the centre’s staff.

Director of the FCCPC’s Surveillance and Investigations Department, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, stated that the closure was prompted by the centre’s refusal to acknowledge a formal letter from the Commission regarding a consumer complaint.

She added that the sealing was also due to obstruction of an ongoing investigation and the provision of services deemed potentially harmful to consumer interests.

The Commission has summoned the company to appear on June 20 to provide testimony, make depositions, and present evidence relating to the complaint and its failure to comply with investigative procedures.

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.

However, the Management of the Company refused to comment on the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the centre is being managed by TLS Contact, a Teleperformance Company.