Traders record brisk business at ADC convention venue

While the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention is yet to commence in earnest, petty traders at the venue are reporting a significant surge in sales.

BusinessDay observed that numerous vendors who gained access to the main venue and its surroundings are capitalising on the large crowds to market their goods. David Mark, the party’s national chairman, is expected to preside over the event later today.

High demand for food and beverages

Items such as roasted maize, groundnuts, bananas, rice, and beans, alongside bottled water and soft drinks, remain in high demand as delegates and attendees await the start of proceedings. Many traders expressed satisfaction with the level of patronage, noting that business has been swift and profitable since the early hours.

Fatima, a vendor selling bread and soft drinks, said she was close to exhausting her stock. “I did not expect this level of sales so early. I am almost finished with everything I brought,” she said.

Vendors restock to meet rising patronage

Another trader, Mary, who sells cooked food, revealed she has already arranged for additional supplies. She noted that her rice stock was nearly depleted, prompting her to ask her daughters to prepare more to meet the sustained demand from hungry delegates.

Similarly, Haruna Tanko, a soft drink seller positioned at the gate, described the turnout as favourable for business. Selling products such as Nutri-Milk, Coca-Cola, and Fanta, he expressed satisfaction with the day’s earnings. “I will soon close for the day because I have sold most of my drinks,” he said.

Despite the delay in the convention’s official opening, the bustling trade highlights the economic opportunities that large political gatherings provide for small-scale vendors.