Gideon Akaa, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Benue State, has confirmed that labor leaders are currently engaged in negotiations with the state government regarding a new minimum wage.

He refuted recent social media claims suggesting that the government had proposed a minimum wage of N40,000.

In a telephone interview with journalists on Friday, Akaa emphasized that no agreement has been reached between the two parties. He revealed that labor representatives have tabled demands for N75,000 and N77,000 as potential new wage figures.

“I’m not aware of the rumor of N40,000. We held a meeting with the government and the negotiation is still ongoing. Nobody has mentioned anything about N40,000 to the best of my knowledge,” Akaa stated.

He added that the government has yet to commit to any specific amount and that discussions are still in progress.

Akaa reiterated that multiple figures are under consideration but no consensus has been achieved thus far. “Once the negotiation is concluded, we will sign an agreement,” he noted, indicating that both sides are working towards a resolution.