Tragedy Hits Nigeria’s Labour Delegation in Geneva as Lagos JNC Chairman Passes On

​LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Nigerian labour movement and the Lagos State government have been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, the Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). 

​Comrade Adeleke died on Monday, June 8, 2026, after a brief and unexpected illness. At the time of his passing, he was in Geneva, Switzerland, actively serving as a vital member of the Nigerian workers’ delegation to the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Convention (ILC), organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

​Reports indicate that the prominent labour leader fell ill during the international summit and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he eventually succumbed.

​Lagos Government, NLC React to “Irreparable Loss”

​In an official statement, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, extended the heartfelt condolences of the state government to the Adeleke family, his colleagues, and the entire public service workforce.

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​”The Lagos State Government commiserates with his family, colleagues, members of the Labour Centres, and workers across Lagos State on this unexpected, painful, and irreparable loss,” the statement read.

​Mr. Agoro described the late JNC boss as an exceptionally dedicated and resolute unionist who spent his lifelong career aggressively championing the rights, welfare, and social security of workers.

​The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also confirmed the tragic incident, noting that Comrade Domingo’s death has cast a heavy, somber shadow over Nigeria’s participation at the global conference. The NLC leadership praised him as a steadfast fighter for industrial harmony and decent work, whose passion carried him to the global stage right up until his final moments.

​A Legacy of Leadership

​Comrade Adeleke was a seasoned unionist who rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) before being elected to lead the Lagos State JNC—the critical organ responsible for negotiating welfare packages and working conditions for thousands of public servants in Lagos.

​Just last year, he spearheaded collaborative efforts with state health insurance initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket medical bills for civil servants, showcasing a leadership style that was deeply customer-centric and welfare-oriented.

​Repatriation Efforts Underway

​The Lagos State Government and the national leadership of the organized labour unions have disclosed that administrative and diplomatic arrangements are already underway to repatriate Comrade Adeleke’s body back to Nigeria from Europe. Leadership representatives have visited the medical facility where his remains are being kept to oversee the process.

​As the state prepares to receive his body, government and union officials have urged workers to find solace in his enduring legacy of selfless service. Prayers are being offered for Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and to provide his family, friends, and colleagues with the fortitude to bear the devastating loss.