The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Abuja office of Contact Tele-performance Company (TLS), a private visa support service provider, following serious allegations of consumer rights violations and physical assault on enforcement agents.
The enforcement operation, which took place earlier this week, was led by the FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka. She disclosed that the commission acted after receiving a series of complaints from consumers who alleged they paid for visa processing services that were never delivered.
According to Adeyinka, the Commission initiated investigations into the company’s activities in March 2025. On March 25, FCCPC officially served TLS a complaint letter in line with its standard resolution process. However, the situation escalated when officers of the company allegedly assaulted FCCPC operatives carrying out their lawful duties.
“Rather than cooperate with us, TLS agents attacked our officers. Matters worsened when their officials refused to receive a formal summons and went as far as assaulting police officers who were legally assigned to provide security during our operations,” Adeyinka said.
The FCCPC has since invoked Section 18(1)(f) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, authorizing the sealing of the TLS office. The decision was made by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, who said the action was necessary due to credible evidence suggesting that the company’s operations were harmful to consumer welfare.
Senior officers of TLS, including the country manager and centre manager, have now been summoned to appear before the Commission no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025. Adeyinka warned that failure to honour the summons could result in severe legal consequences.
“Under Section 33(3) of the FCCPC Act, ignoring a summons without valid reason is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to ₦20 million, or both,” she stated. “Section 33(4) further criminalizes any attempt to obstruct the Commission’s proceedings, which clearly applies to TLS’s actions.”
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding consumer rights and ensuring accountability among service providers. Adeyinka also encouraged affected customers to submit documented evidence of failed services to aid the ongoing investigation.
“The sealing of TLS is a clear message to all service providers: the FCCPC will not tolerate abuse, neglect, or any form of assault during lawful enforcement,” she added.
The Commission’s latest action comes amid a broader crackdown on substandard business practices nationwide, including recent raids on markets and warehouses involved in price manipulation and the sale of unsafe goods.
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