The Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, has died in Geneva, Switzerland, while attending the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).
Adeleke passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness, throwing the Nigerian delegation to the conference and the labour movement into mourning.
The late labour leader was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the annual conference organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) when he suddenly took ill and was rushed for medical attention. He, however, died shortly afterwards.
Confirming the development, an official of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described Adeleke as a committed trade unionist who dedicated his life to the welfare and advancement of Nigerian workers.
He said: “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.”
A member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Adeleke served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council, where he championed workers’ rights and welfare issues.
The NLC noted that throughout his career, he remained steadfast in promoting decent work, social justice and improved conditions for workers.
“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.”
According to the NLC, its leadership has visited the hospital where his body is being kept and has 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,” the official added.
Adeleke’s death has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing International Labour Conference, which brings together governments, employers and workers’ representatives from across the world to deliberate on labour and employment issues.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders, colleagues and workers who remembered him for his dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to the protection of workers’ interests.
The NLC extended its 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.”
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.