Nigerian Labour Leader Dies in Geneva During International Labour Conference

Nigerian Labour Leader Dies in Geneva During International Labour Conference

The Nigerian delegation to the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva and the country’s labour movement have been thrown into mourning following the death of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, a prominent Nigerian labour leader and trade unionist.

Adeleke, who served as Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and was also a member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), reportedly died on Tuesday after a brief illness while attending the global labour gathering in Switzerland.

According to reports from the Nigerian delegation, Adeleke became ill during the conference and was immediately taken for medical attention in Geneva, where efforts to stabilise his condition proved unsuccessful.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed his passing, describing him as a committed and passionate advocate for workers’ rights, who dedicated his career to the promotion of decent work, fair wages, and improved labour conditions in Nigeria.

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In an official reaction, the NLC expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that Adeleke was part of the 2026 Nigerian Workers’ Delegation to the International Labour Conference at the time of his death. The Congress praised his long-standing commitment to labour activism and his consistent representation of workers’ interests at both state and national levels.

Labour officials further highlighted that Adeleke’s contributions extended beyond union leadership, as he played an active role in negotiations and engagements aimed at strengthening public service delivery and improving industrial relations across Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

His death has triggered widespread grief within Nigeria’s organised labour community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, union leaders, and civil servants who described him as a principled and tireless advocate for social justice.

The NLC noted that Adeleke’s presence at the International Labour Conference reflected his lifelong dedication to advancing workers’ welfare on a global stage, adding that he remained actively engaged in discussions and advocacy efforts until his sudden illness.

Arrangements have reportedly begun for the repatriation of his remains to Nigeria, where further funeral plans will be announced by his family and labour organisations in consultation with the government and union leadership.

The labour movement has extended condolences to his family, the Lagos State workforce, and the wider union community, describing his death as a significant loss to Nigeria’s trade union history and public service advocacy.

Adeleke is remembered as a committed organiser whose work helped shape labour relations and strengthened the voice of workers in government negotiations.

Nigerian Labour Leader Dies in Geneva During International Labour Conference