The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed a visa application centre, TLScontact, over alleged obstruction of the Commission’s investigation into a consumer complaint, and assault of its officials on two separate occasions.
After several hours of a rowdy atmosphere and engagement with TLScontact staff and Nigerians applying for visa, the FCCPC was eventually able to evacuate both premises of TLScontact situated in the same building before proceeding to seal them.
Director of the Surveillance and Investigation Department at FCCPC, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka who sought the understanding of visa applicants found at the premises during the enforcement exercise, asked the applicants to put down their details with assurances management of TLScontact would email them their visa’s and every other correspondence, as well as reimburse them for the inconveniences and costs incurred as a result of the development.
Speaking to newsmen after sealing the premises, Adeyinka explained that the enforcement operation against TLS, a company providing visa support services to Nigerian consumers followed a complaint from an unsatisfied customer in March, obstruction of investigation and assaults on officials of the FCCPC.
She said: “On March 25, 2025, based on a consumer complaint, a letter was served on TLS to address the issue through 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.”
“Upon receipt of the report of assault and obstruction, the Commission directed that TLS should be summoned to appear before the Commission, pursuant to Section 33 of the FCCPA.
“Rather than receive the summons of the Commission, officers of TLS again not only assaulted FCCPC officers, but also assaulted uniformed police officers who were providing lawful security for the Commission’s operations.
“In line with the relevant FCCPC Act, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, directed that the premises be sealed for conducting services that the Commission considers unlawful.”
When asked about the particular consumer complaint in question, Adeyinka who failed to provide specifics, responded that it “relates to non-provision of services paid for; the services with respect to Visa processing”.
Speaking further, she noted that while the enforcement exercise was ongoing, some of the visa applicants at the premises made complaints of unsatisfied services complained to the FCCPC.
“During the operations that have been carried out here, consumers are still complaining about the services, and while we are still here, the Commission has received complaints regarding the services that are being rendered by TLS.
“That underscores the reason why they need to appear before the Commission and explain the operations of TLS in Nigeria.”
In a fresh summons, TLScontact has been asked to appear before the Commission at its headquarters, on Friday or before 2pm. The summons signed by by the Commission’s Head Legal Service, Nsitem Chizenum, was addressed to The Country Manager, TLSContact, A Teleperformance Company, Visa Application Centre.
The company was urged “to appear, produce and provide all documents before it on or before 2 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025 to testify, make deposition and provide evidence on its failure to receive a letter of the commission to investigate a complaint and obstruction of investigation or inquiry, pursuant to section 110 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Act 2018 and to remain until executed.”
