By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed off the France, Belgium, and Italy visa centre located at the Mukhtar El-Yakub House, Central Business District, Abuja.
The enforcement action was taken due to the centre’s failure to receive a letter from the Commission to investigate a consumer complaint and its obstruction of the investigation.
According to Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigations Department of FCCPC, the centre’s actions were in contravention of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
“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,” she explained.
However, instead of complying with the Commission’s request, officers of the TLS (the company operating the visa centre) allegedly assaulted FCCPC officers who were conducting their lawful duty.
The situation escalated on June 17 when the officers again assaulted FCCPC officers and uniformed police officers providing security.
Adeyinka, further, stated that Section 33 of the FCCPA 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 ₦20 million or both.
The FCCPC has directed the company to appear before it on June 20 to testify, make depositions, and provide evidence in relation to the allegations.
The company will also be liable for all losses and expenses encountered by visa applicants as a result of the enforcement action.
When approached for comment, the management of the company declined to speak on the matter.
