The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Abuja offices of TLS Contact, a visa service provider for France, Belgium, and Italy, over alleged consumer rights violations, obstruction of justice, and assault on federal officials.
This move follows numerous complaints from Nigerians who reportedly paid for visa processing services that were never rendered.
🔍 What Prompted the Shutdown?
According to Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, the Commission began investigating TLS Contact in March 2025, after receiving multiple complaints from affected consumers.
Instead of cooperating, TLS staff assaulted FCCPC operatives and police officers during a visit to deliver a legal summons on March 25.
The situation worsened when TLS refused to accept summonses during a follow-up operation and continued to obstruct the federal investigation.
⚖️ Legal Grounds for Sealing
Acting under Section 18(1)(f) of the FCCPC Act, Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello ordered the sealing of the premises, citing sufficient evidence that the company’s operations were “inimical to consumer welfare.”
Mrs. Adeyinka stressed that TLS management must respond to the Commission’s summons by 2:00 PM on June 20, 2025, or face further legal consequences.
“Obstructing or refusing FCCPC summons is a punishable offense,” she said.
“Penalties include up to three years in prison, ₦20 million in fines, or both, as stated in Sections 33(3) and 33(4) of the Act.”
🚨 Allegations and Next Steps
- Non-provision of paid visa services for clients.
- Physical assault on FCCPC officials and police personnel.
- Refusal to accept formal communications, including legal summons.
Affected individuals are urged to submit evidence and complaints directly to the FCCPC to support the ongoing investigation.
🌍 What This Means for Travellers
The sealed TLS Contact office handled visa processing for France, Belgium, and Italy—countries popular among Nigerians for travel, education, and business.
The shutdown is expected to cause delays and cancellations for pending visa applications and appointments.
🛡️ FCCPC’s Warning to Service Providers
Mrs. Adeyinka concluded by stating that the Commission would continue to act decisively against service providers who violate consumer rights.
“No company is above Nigerian law, no matter how global or powerful. This sealing sends a clear message to all operators in the country.”
