Enugu is set for a major glow-up, but not everyone is celebrating. As bulldozers roll into the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, dozens of traders who earn their living inside the complex say they have been left stranded.

Enugu is getting ready for the big stage.

The State Government has kicked off a massive renovation and modernisation of the iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium ahead of hosting the 2026 National Sports Festival in November. It is a welcome development and one that promises to give the state a truly world-class facility.

But as cbinews.tv has learnt, the upgrade is coming at a cost for small business owners.

Cbinews Ogochukwu Ossai visited the stadium complex where construction work has already commenced. Shop owners confirmed they were given a three-week notice to vacate parts of the premises.

For many, this is more than just a stadium. It is their daily bread.

One shop owner, Obinna Acife, told cbinews.tv that while the renovation is a good move for the state, the information has been mixed. According to him, they were told some shops would only be shut down temporarily, while others would be permanently affected and compensated.

Another trader, Ignatius Enebe, also welcomed the project, saying it would improve the image of the state. He explained that traders were instructed to suspend operations, but many are now moving out of fear and confusion, not because they were directly ordered to leave immediately.

A very different account, however, came from Igweagu Onyebuchi. Speaking to cbinews.tv, he said from his discussions with officials, his shop and several others will not just be closed temporarily but completely removed. And contrary to other claims, he insists no compensation has been promised.

So while the traders say they are not against development, their major concern is the lack of clarity. There is no clear relocation plan, no clear compensation structure, and no answer on how they will sustain their families during and after the project.

The renovation is part of the Enugu State Government's broader plan to ensure facilities meet international standards for the Festival.

When cbinews.tv spoke to the project supervisor, he gave more insight into why a return might be difficult for the traders.

It is a tale of two interests. On one hand, a modern sporting facility Enugu can be proud of. On the other, small businesses fighting to stay afloat. As work begins, the big question is how the government will balance infrastructure development with protecting livelihoods.

Credit: cbinews.tv

#EnuguNews #NnamdiAzikiweStadium #EnuguStateGovernment #NationalSportsFestival2026 #EnuguStadiumRenovation #NigeriaNews #CBINewsTV