NLC mourns as top labour leader dies at ILO conference in Geneva

By Bimbola Oyesola

The Nigerian labour movement was thrown into mourning yesterday, following the death of Domingo Michael Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and prominent member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), who died in Geneva, Switzerland, after a brief illness.

A statement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said Adeleke passed away while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), where he was representing Nigerian workers on the global stage.

The NLC described his death as a devastating loss to the trade union movement, noting that the veteran labour leader remained actively engaged in workers’ advocacy until his final days.

“Domingo Michael Adeleke was a committed trade unionist, whose dedication to the welfare of Nigerian workers and the pursuit of decent work opportunities earned him respect both within and outside the country,” the Congress said in the statement.

His passing has sent shockwaves across labour circles, particularly in Lagos State, where he was widely recognised for championing workers’ rights, improved welfare packages and fair labour practices.

The NLC said Adeleke fell ill while participating in the conference proceedings in Geneva and subsequently died after efforts to save his life proved unsuccessful.

Following the tragic development, leaders of the Congress travelled to Annemasse, France, where his body was deposited in a hospital mortuary, to pay their respects and commence arrangements necessitated by his death while on active service.

“The Congress leadership visited the hospital in Annemasse to express solidarity with his family, colleagues and comrades and to begin the necessary processes following the unfortunate loss,” the statement added.

Labour leaders described Adeleke as a courageous advocate for workers, who consistently placed the interests of civil servants above personal considerations and worked tirelessly to strengthen collective bargaining structures.

The labour union extended its condolences to the deceased’s family, members of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, the Lagos State labour community and workers across the country, urging them to take solace in the enduring impact of his service.

“Domingo’s unwavering commitment to the cause of workers will continue to inspire generations of trade unionists,” the statement said, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

He is survived by family members, colleagues and associates, who remember him for his dedication, integrity and passion for workers’ rights. As tributes continue to pour in, the labour movement says his legacy will remain a guiding light for those committed to the struggle for justice and dignity in the workplace. “Rest on, comrade. Your struggle and legacy live on,” the NLC declared.