The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Abuja office of Contact Tele-performance Company (TLS), a private visa support outfit, following multiple allegations of consumer exploitation and violent obstruction of enforcement activities.
The enforcement action was carried out by the FCCPC’s Surveillance and Investigations team, led by Director Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka.
According to her, the decision to shut down the company stemmed from TLS’s persistent refusal to address mounting consumer complaints, coupled with incidents of physical assault against FCCPC and police officers during lawful operations.
Adeyinka explained that investigations into TLS began in March 2025, after the Commission received numerous complaints from customers who alleged that the company failed to deliver visa processing services they had already paid for.
In line with standard procedures, the FCCPC issued a formal complaint letter to TLS on March 25, inviting the company to provide clarification and offer redress. Rather than cooperate, TLS representatives allegedly turned hostile, confronting FCCPC operatives and resisting lawful entry into the premises.
The situation escalated when the company reportedly declined to accept a formal summons, and individuals acting on its behalf allegedly assaulted uniformed police officers who were providing security during the Commission’s routine engagement.
These acts, according to the FCCPC, constitute grave breaches of Sections 33(3) and 33(4) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act. The law criminalizes the obstruction of investigations and non-compliance with summons, with penalties including up to three years in prison, fines of up to ₦20 million, or both.
Acting on these developments, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, invoked Section 18(1)(f) of the Act, authorizing the immediate sealing of the TLS premises. Adeyinka emphasized that the Commission believes the company’s operations are “inimical to consumer welfare,” and thus warranted temporary suspension pending further inquiries.
“The public must understand that what happened here is not just a breach of service standards but a deliberate obstruction of the law,” Adeyinka said. “Consumers deserve to get what they pay for. Providers must be held to account.”
The FCCPC has summoned TLS’s senior management, including the country and centre managers, to appear before the Commission by 2:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025. Failure to comply with this directive, Adeyinka warned, would attract the full weight of the law.
In response to inquiries about the nature of the original complaint, Adeyinka clarified that it focused on the company’s failure to deliver visa support services despite receiving payment—an issue that has left many Nigerian travelers stranded or defrauded.
She further encouraged other affected consumers to submit evidence of similar experiences to aid the ongoing investigation.
While TLS has yet to issue a public statement, the sealing of its facility sends a broader signal to service providers across Nigeria: disregard for consumer rights and the rule of law will not be tolerated.
“This is a warning to all operators—visa agents, telecoms, fintechs, retail businesses—who think they can dismiss consumers’ grievances or challenge government oversight,” Adeyinka stated. “The FCCPC will continue to use every tool at its disposal to ensure fair treatment for all Nigerians.”
What You Should Know
TLS, a visa support firm in Abuja, was shut down by the FCCPC for allegedly failing to deliver paid services and assaulting federal enforcement agents. The company’s top management has been summoned, and failure to appear could result in legal penalties.
