Nigeria’s delegation to the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva has been thrown into grief following the death of prominent labour leader, Domingo Michael Adeleke.
Adeleke, who served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), passed away on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, after a brief illness.
He was in the European city as a member of Nigeria’s delegation to the conference when he reportedly fell ill and was taken for medical treatment. He later died.
Confirming the development, an official of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described Adeleke as a dedicated trade unionist whose life was devoted to advancing the welfare of 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,” the official stated.
A member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Adeleke played a key role as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council, where he championed workers’ welfare and labour-related causes.
The NLC noted that throughout his career, he remained unwavering in his commitment to promoting decent work, fairness and 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 official added.
According to the Congress, its leadership has already visited the hospital where his body is being kept and has commenced arrangements to return 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 pall over Nigeria’s participation at the International Labour Conference, a gathering that brings together governments, employers and workers’ representatives from across the world to deliberate on labour and employment matters.
Since news of his passing broke, tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders and workers who remembered him for his contributions to industrial relations and the protection of workers’ rights.
The NLC extended its condolences to his family, colleagues and members of the labour movement, describing his death as a painful and significant loss.
“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.
Colleagues and associates have continued to remember Adeleke as a passionate labour activist who dedicated much of his life to public service and the advancement of workers’ interests.
