The Nigerian labour community is in mourning following the death of prominent trade union leader Domingo Michael Adeleke, who passed away during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Adeleke, Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), died on Tuesday, June 9, after a brief illness while attending the global labour gathering as part of Nigeria's delegation.
NLC Confirms Death
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed the development, describing the late labour leader as a passionate advocate for workers' rights and welfare. An NLC official expressed deep sorrow, stating that the entire trade union movement in Nigeria, especially the 2026 Workers' Delegates to the ILC, mourns the passing of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke. The Congress noted that Adeleke dedicated his career to advancing decent work, social justice, and improved conditions for workers.
Tributes Pour In
Paying tribute, the NLC highlighted that Adeleke 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. The organisation added that his passing would be deeply felt across the labour movement. The NLC disclosed that its leadership had visited the hospital where his body is being kept and had commenced arrangements to return his remains to Nigeria. The Congress extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and workers nationwide, describing his death as a significant loss to the labour movement.
Background
Adeleke's death comes amid heightened labour activities in Nigeria. Recently, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) threatened a nationwide strike over rising insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The labour community now faces the dual challenge of mourning a key figure while continuing to advocate for workers' rights.
