Labour leader and chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) Domingo Adeleke has died in Geneva, Switzerland, while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).
Mr Adeleke, who was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the conference, died on Tuesday after a brief illness.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed his death in a statement, saying he fell ill during the conference and was taken for medical attention before he died.
“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 statement said.
A member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Adeleke served as chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council and was involved in labour advocacy and workers’ welfare issues.
The NLC said he remained committed to the promotion of decent work and social justice throughout his career.
“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 added.
The NLC also disclosed that its leadership had visited the hospital where his body is being kept and had begun 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 statement said.
His death has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing conference, which brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from across the world to discuss labour and employment matters.
The Congress extended condolences to Domingo Adeleke’s family, colleagues and members of the labour 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 NLC said.
