Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed off the visa centres of France, Belgium and Italy at Mukhtar El-Yakub House, Central Business District, Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to FCCPC, the office was sealed in collaboration with Nigerian police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as staff of the centre resisted the sealing.
Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigations at the FCCPC, said during the operation on Thursday that the centre was sealed due to its failure to acknowledge a formal letter from the commission regarding a consumer complaint, as well as for obstructing an ongoing investigation and engaging in practices deemed harmful to consumer interests.
She stated that TLScontact, which manages the centre, is expected to appear before the commission on June 20 to testify, provide sworn statements, and submit evidence relating to its refusal to accept the commission’s correspondence.
Adeyinka said, “ “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 a fine not exceeding N20 million or both fine and imprisonment.”
Adeyinka said the company would be liable for all losses and expenses encountered by visa applicants due to the enforcement.
