Tragedy has struck the Nigerian delegation at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva following the sudden passing of prominent labour leader, Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke.
Adeleke, who served as the Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and was a dedicated member of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness.
He had traveled to Switzerland as part of Nigeria’s official 2026 workers’ delegation when he suddenly fell ill, received medical attention, and subsequently succumbed to his illness.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) officially confirmed the heartbreaking development, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a man they described as a fiercely committed trade unionist.
In an official statement, an NLC representative lamented that Adeleke’s lifelong dedication to the struggle for decent work and social justice ultimately took him to the global stage right up until his final moments.
His unexpected demise has cast a somber shadow over Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing international conference, which brings together global government, employer, and worker representatives to debate crucial employment issues.
In the wake of the tragedy, leadership from the NLC immediately mobilized in Geneva to handle the aftermath of their colleague’s passing.
An official delegation visited the hospital to pay their final respects and stand in solidarity with the fallen leader. The Congress confirmed that it has already initiated the necessary administrative and legal processes required for the swift repatriation of Adeleke’s remains back to Nigeria.
Tributes have since flooded in from across the global and local labour movements, with colleagues remembering Adeleke as a pillar of public service who devoted his career to advancing workers’ welfare initiatives and labour relations.
Extending its deepest condolences to his immediate family and comrades across Lagos State, the NLC stated that his loss is felt deeply by all who worked alongside him, urging the labour community to let Adeleke’s unwavering commitment to workers’ rights continue to inspire their ongoing struggle.
