The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has shut down the visa application centres for France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja.
The centres, operated by TLS Contact, were sealed on Thursday at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in the Central Business District. Security agents from the Police and Civil Defence Corps joined FCCPC officials in the operation, which met resistance from the staff.
According to the FCCPC, the centres failed to respond to a formal complaint filed by a customer and refused to cooperate with investigations. The Commission also accused staff of assaulting its officers and even the police during an earlier visit.
Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, who led the operation, said TLS Contact had repeatedly ignored legal summons and blocked investigations, actions that violate Nigeria’s consumer protection laws.
“They not only failed to receive our letter but also attacked our officers. This violates Section 33 of the FCCPA and is a punishable offence,” she said.
The FCCPC has ordered TLS Contact to appear before the Commission on June 20 to explain their actions. The company may also be held responsible for any losses suffered by visa applicants due to the shutdown.
The company is yet to release any official response.