Nigeria’s delegation to the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva has been plunged into grief following the death of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), who passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness while attending the conference.
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Adeleke, a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), fell ill during Nigeria’s participation in the Geneva summit and was taken for medical attention before he subsequently died. He was among the workers’ delegates representing Nigeria at the session of the conference, which brings together governments, employers and labour representatives from across the world to deliberate on employment and labour issues.
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed his death in a statement that did not conceal the depth of the loss felt across the trade union movement.
“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,” an NLC official said.
The Congress described Adeleke as a tireless advocate whose career was defined by his dedication to workers’ welfare, decent work 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.
The NLC said its leadership had visited the hospital where his remains are being kept and had commenced arrangements for their repatriation 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.
Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders and workers who remembered Adeleke for his contributions to labour relations and his unwavering commitment to the interests of Nigerian workers throughout his career.
Extending condolences to his family and colleagues, the NLC said his example would endure. “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.
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