Nigerian Labour Leader Dies At International Labour Conference In Geneva

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 in Geneva, Switzerland, while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).

Adeleke, a member of Nigeria's official delegation to the global labour gathering, reportedly died on Tuesday after a brief illness. He had travelled to Geneva alongside other representatives of the Nigerian labour movement for the conference, which brings together governments, employers and workers' representatives from across the world to deliberate on key labour and employment issues.

Confirming the development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described Adeleke's death as a painful loss to the trade union movement and the broader struggle for workers' welfare in Nigeria.

"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," the Congress stated.

According to labour officials, Adeleke became ill during the conference and was taken for medical attention but later succumbed to the illness.

Until his death, he served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council and was widely respected within labour circles for his advocacy on workers' rights, welfare and improved working conditions. As an active member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), he played a prominent role in labour negotiations and campaigns aimed at advancing the interests of public sector workers.

The NLC paid glowing tribute to the late unionist, describing him as a steadfast defender of workers and a passionate advocate for social justice.

"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 Congress said.

The labour centre disclosed that its leadership in Geneva had visited the hospital where Adeleke's remains are being kept and had commenced arrangements for the repatriation of his body 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 statement added.

Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders, civil servants and workers across the country, many of whom remembered Adeleke as a dedicated activist whose career was defined by service, commitment and an unwavering passion for protecting workers' interests.

Extending condolences to his family, associates and the labour community, the NLC described his passing as a significant loss to the Nigerian trade union movement.

"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.