The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has closed the Abuja office of Contact Tele-performance Company (TLC), a private firm providing visa support services for France, Belgium, and Italy. The action followed allegations of consumer rights violations and an incident involving the assault of security personnel by individuals linked to the centre.
The operation was led by the Commission’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka. She stated that the decision to seal the premises was necessary due to multiple infractions observed at the facility.
She also alleged that FCCPC enforcement officers faced physical attacks by representatives of the company during the course of their duty.
Adeyinka said the investigation into the company began in March 2025, after the FCCPC received multiple complaints from consumers who claimed they were denied services they had already paid for.
“On March 25, the FCCPC served TLS a letter in line with its normal complaint resolution process. Instead of addressing the complaint, their officers assaulted FCCPC operatives carrying out their lawful duty of enforcing consumer rights,” she stated.
According to her, the situation escalated further when TLS personnel allegedly declined to accept a summons to appear before the Commission and also attacked police officers who were legally assigned to support the enforcement team.
“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,” she added.
Adeyinka emphasized that the FCCPC had sufficient grounds to believe that some of TLS’s operations were “inimical to consumer welfare,” leading to the suspension of the company’s activities pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
She also revealed that key personnel at TLS, including the country manager and centre manager, have been directed to report to the Commission by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, to provide explanations regarding their conduct and that of the organization.
Adeyinka issued a stern warning, saying, “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.”
She reiterated the Commission’s dedication to enforcing consumer protection laws and ensuring that service providers are held accountable.
When asked about the root of the consumer complaints, Adeyinka confirmed that the case centred on the “non-provision of paid visa processing services” by TLS—an issue affecting many Nigerians relying on such centres for international travel.
The FCCPC also called on affected consumers to come forward with any supporting evidence as the investigation continues.
She concluded by noting that the closure of TLS’s office is intended as a strong message to service providers across Nigeria: the Commission will take firm action to uphold consumer rights.
