The Nigerian labour movement has been thrown into mourning following the death of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), who passed away on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, after a brief illness.
Adeleke was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) when he reportedly fell ill and was taken for medical attention. He later died while receiving treatment.
Confirming the development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described his death as a painful loss to the labour movement and Nigerian workers.
“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,” an NLC official said.
A member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Adeleke served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council, where he played a key role in labour advocacy, collective bargaining and workers’ welfare initiatives. Throughout his career, he was actively involved in promoting decent work standards, social justice and improved conditions for workers.
The NLC said Adeleke remained steadfast in advancing workers’ rights and representing the interests of Nigerian workers at both national and international levels.
“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,” the official added.
The Congress disclosed that its leadership had visited the hospital where his body is being kept and had commenced arrangements for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria.
“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,” the official said.
His death has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing International Labour Conference, an annual gathering organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that brings together governments, employers and workers’ representatives from across the world to deliberate on labour standards, employment policies and workplace issues.
Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders, colleagues and workers who remembered Adeleke for his commitment to labour relations, public service and the protection of workers’ interests.
The NLC extended its condolences to his family, colleagues and members of the labour movement across the country.
“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,” the Congress said.
Adeleke is remembered by many within the labour community as a dedicated unionist whose career was marked by service, advocacy and an unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
