Lagos labour leader dies at Geneva conference

Michael Domingo, the Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council, has died following a brief illness while attending the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Domingo, who was a member of Nigeria’s workers’ delegation, fell ill during the conference and was subsequently taken to a hospital in Annemasse, France, where he passed away on Monday.

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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 Lagos State Government, through the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to Domingo's family, colleagues, and the broader labor movement. Agoro described the late labor leader as a committed unionist who dedicated his career to championing the welfare and rights of workers. "Until his passing, Comrade Domingo served as the Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council. He was a delegate of the Lagos State group to the 114th Convention when he reportedly took ill and subsequently passed on," the statement read.

The Nigeria Labour Congress also confirmed Domingo's death, characterizing it as a significant loss for the labor movement. Agnes Sessi, the NLC Lagos Chairman, speaking to PUNCH Online, described Domingo as a highly respected leader whose death came as a profound shock. "Domingo is a very peaceful and well-loved comrade. We have really lost a friend, a comrade per excellence and a true son of Lagos State," Sessi remarked.

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Until his passing, Comrade Domingo served as the Chairman of the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council. He was a delegate of the Lagos State group to the 114th Convention when he reportedly took ill and subsequently passed on.

Arrangements are currently underway to repatriate Domingo's body back to Nigeria. The International Labour Conference in Geneva brings together governments, employers, and workers' representatives from around the globe to deliberate on critical labor issues. Tributes have continued to pour in from labor leaders and colleagues who lauded Domingo as a steadfast advocate for workers' rights.

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Domingo is a very peaceful and well-loved comrade. We have really lost a friend, a comrade per excellence and a true son of Lagos State.