The Nigerian labour movement has been thrown into mourning following the death of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, a prominent trade union leader and Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), who passed away in Geneva, Switzerland, while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).
Adeleke reportedly died on Tuesday after a brief illness during the ongoing conference, where he was participating as a member of Nigeria’s delegation to the annual global gathering of governments, employers and workers’ representatives.
His death was confirmed by officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who described him as a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights and a respected figure within Nigeria’s labour movement.
In a statement, the Congress expressed profound sadness over the loss, noting that Adeleke remained actively engaged in labour advocacy until his final days.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the entire trade union movement in Nigeria, especially the 2026 Workers’ Delegates to the International Labour Conference, announce the passing of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, who died today in Geneva after a brief illness while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference.”
Career in Labour Advocacy
A member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Adeleke served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council, a position through which he championed workers’ welfare, improved labour conditions and collective bargaining initiatives within the public sector.
Colleagues described him as a committed trade unionist whose contributions to labour relations and social justice earned him respect across the labour community.
According to the NLC, Adeleke devoted much of his career to advancing the interests of workers and promoting decent work standards both within Nigeria and on international platforms.
“Comrade Domingo was a committed trade unionist whose dedication to Nigerian workers and the struggle for decent work took him to the global stage right to the end. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and worked alongside him.”
NLC Begins Repatriation Arrangements
The Nigeria Labour Congress disclosed that its leadership in Geneva had visited the hospital where Adeleke’s body is being kept and had commenced the necessary procedures for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria.
The Congress said the visit was undertaken as a gesture of solidarity and respect for the late labour leader.
“The NLC leadership earlier today went to the hospital to see his body in solidarity, mourn his passing, and begin the process of arranging the necessary procedures.”
Death Casts Shadow Over Nigeria’s Delegation
Adeleke’s passing has cast a sombre mood over Nigeria’s participation at the International Labour Conference, one of the world’s most important forums on labour, employment and social policy issues.
The annual conference, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from across the globe to discuss workplace standards, social protection and employment challenges.
Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders, colleagues and workers across the country, many of whom remembered Adeleke for his unwavering commitment to public service and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
The NLC extended its condolences to his family, associates and members of the labour movement nationwide, describing his death as a significant loss to organized labour.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the NLC family and all comrades across Lagos State. May his soul rest in peace, and may his commitment to workers’ rights continue to inspire us.”
His death marks the loss of a prominent voice in Nigeria’s labour movement at a time when issues surrounding workers’ welfare, wages and labour reforms remain central to national discourse.
