Nigeria’s consumer protection agency has shut down a visa support centre in Lagos after accusing it of obstructing an investigation and assaulting government officials.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), alongside the Nigerian Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), sealed the premises of TLScontact on Thursday after staff allegedly resisted the enforcement.
According to Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigations at the FCCPC, the enforcement followed the centre’s failure to respond to a formal letter regarding a consumer complaint. TLScontact provides visa support services for Nigerians applying for travel abroad.
“This is an enforcement operation against TLS,” she said. “They were served a letter on March 25, 2025, concerning a consumer complaint. Instead of responding, their staff assaulted FCCPC officials carrying out lawful duties.”
The commission said the situation escalated on June 17, when TLScontact employees allegedly assaulted not only FCCPC staff again but also police officers providing security during a follow-up visit.
Adeyinka said the refusal to receive official communication and the repeated obstruction of investigations are violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
“Section 33 of the FCCPA makes it a criminal offence to refuse to appear before the commission without good reason,” she explained. “Conviction can lead to up to three years in prison or a fine of up to ₦20 million—or both.”
The FCCPC has summoned TLScontact to appear before it on 20 June to give testimony, submit evidence, and explain the failure to cooperate with investigators.
The agency also warned that the company would be held responsible for any financial losses or disruptions suffered by visa applicants due to the enforcement action.
TLScontact has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.