The industrial action follows allegations surrounding the circumstances of the civil servant’s death at the state secretariat, with the NLC demanding accountability over the incident.
The deceased was identified as Unity Adedah, a deputy director in the Ministry of Secondary Education.
According to reports, Adedah died on Wednesday morning after he was allegedly tied up and beaten by thugs at the state secretariat. The NLC has alleged that the attack was carried out on the orders of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu.
The allegations have not been established as proven facts, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain a matter of investigation.
Following the reported death, the Delta State Council of the NLC announced an indefinite industrial action across the state.
The labour organisation's decision represents an escalation of the dispute and could affect activities across government offices and other public-sector institutions in Delta State.
The NLC is seeking answers over what happened to the deceased worker and has raised concerns about the safety and treatment of workers within government establishments.
The declaration comes at a time when labour-related disputes remain a significant issue across Nigeria, with workers' welfare, workplace conditions and government-labour relations continuing to generate industrial tensions.
The immediate trigger was the reported death of Adedah.
Reports indicate that the deputy director was allegedly attacked at the state secretariat before his death. The NLC subsequently linked the incident to alleged instructions from the state Commissioner for Secondary Education.
The union's position has placed the incident at the centre of a growing dispute between organised labour and the Delta State authorities.
Details surrounding the alleged attack, including who was responsible and the circumstances that led to the confrontation, will depend on the outcome of any official investigation.
The development is significant because an indefinite strike by the state chapter of Nigeria's largest labour centre could disrupt government services and affect residents who rely on public institutions.
Government workers may also face uncertainty over access to workplaces and the continuation of routine administrative services while the industrial action remains in force.
For Delta State, the dispute goes beyond a workplace disagreement. It has raised questions about worker safety, accountability and the protection of civil servants within government premises.
The allegations against the commissioner are particularly serious, but they remain allegations at this stage. A transparent investigation would be necessary to establish responsibility and clarify the circumstances surrounding Adedah's death.
The Delta development comes amid several labour disputes across Nigeria.
Earlier in September, the NLC's FCT Council threatened an indefinite strike over unresolved grievances involving teachers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The union gave the administration a seven-day ultimatum over issues including promotion requirements and the treatment of eligible teachers.
Other unions have also taken industrial action in different parts of the country.
In Lagos, for example, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared an indefinite strike across three state-owned universities over unresolved demands.
These developments highlight the continuing importance of negotiations between governments, employers and organised labour in preventing prolonged disruption to public services.
Attention will now turn to the response of the Delta State Government and any investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adedah's death.
The duration of the NLC strike is also expected to depend on developments between the labour leadership and relevant government authorities.
A resolution could require assurances on worker safety, accountability and other concerns raised by the union.
The NLC's indefinite strike in Delta State follows the reported death of civil servant Unity Adedah after an alleged attack at the state secretariat.
The labour body has escalated the matter through industrial action, while allegations concerning the circumstances of the death remain subject to verification and investigation.
The immediate priority will be establishing the facts, addressing workers' safety concerns and determining whether dialogue can resolve the dispute and restore normal government operations.