Nigerian labour leader dies at ILC in Geneva

The Nigerian delegation to the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva has been thrown into mourning following the death of a prominent labour leader, Comrade Domingo Adeleke.

Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), died on Monday after a brief illness, while participating in the conference as a member of Nigeria workers’ delegation.

The late union leader reportedly fell ill during the conference and was rushed to a hospital in Annemasse, France, where he later passed away.

An official of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who confirmed the development, described Adeleke’s death as a painful loss to the labour movement and workers across Nigeria.

“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.

“Comrade Adeleke died today in Geneva after a brief illness while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference,” the official said.

The NLC said Adeleke was a dedicated trade unionist who remained steadfast in advancing workers’ welfare, social justice and decent work throughout his career.

The congress noted that the deceased served diligently as a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) and Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council.

According to the NLC, Adeleke earned the respect and admiration of workers and labour leaders through his commitment to industrial harmony and the protection of workers’ rights.

“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 said.

The NLC disclosed that members of its leadership visited the hospital in Annemasse, France, where Adeleke’s body was being kept following his death.

The congress said the visit was aimed at paying respects to the deceased and commencing arrangements for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria.

“The NLC leadership earlier today went to the hospital in Annemasse, France, to see his body in solidarity, mourn his passing and begin the process of arranging his painful exit while in active service.

“Adeleke’s death has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s participation at the conference, which has brought together governments, employers and workers’ representatives from across the world.

“Tributes have continued to pour in from labour leaders, colleagues and workers, who described the deceased as a courageous advocate of workers’ rights and social dialogue,” the official said.

The NLC extended its condolences to Adeleke’s family, colleagues and members of the labour movement, describing his death as a significant loss to organised labour.