Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Labour Congress has confirmed the death of prominent trade unionist and Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, who passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC). The labour leader, who was part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the annual conference organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), reportedly fell ill suddenly during the proceedings and was rushed to a medical facility, where he later died.
The NLC confirmed the tragic development in a statement issued shortly after Adeleke’s passing, describing him as a committed trade unionist who dedicated his life to the welfare and advancement 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 said, as quoted by Vanguard.
According to multiple labour officials, Adeleke took ill during the conference and was taken for medical treatment, but he did not recover. The NLC leadership visited the hospital where his body is being kept and has since 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,” a statement from the Congress read.
Adeleke, a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council, where he was actively involved in labour‑related advocacy, wage negotiations, industrial relations, and workers’ welfare initiatives. Throughout his career, he remained steadfast in promoting decent work, social justice, and improved conditions for workers. The NLC noted that his contributions to the labour movement earned him widespread respect among colleagues and workers across the country. “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.
Adeleke’s death has cast a sombre mood over Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing International Labour Conference, which brings together governments, employers, and workers’ representatives from around the world to deliberate on labour and employment issues. Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders, union members, and associates who remembered Adeleke as a passionate advocate for workers and a committed public servant. The NLC extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and members of the labour movement, describing his passing as a significant loss to organised labour in Nigeria. “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.
Until his death, Adeleke was widely respected within labour circles for his contributions to industrial relations, workers’ welfare, and the advancement of social justice in Nigeria. As the Nigerian delegation continues its participation in the Geneva conference, the labour movement at home and abroad mourns a leader whose dedication never wavered, even as he took his work to the world stage.
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