War devastates cities, a lesson every Nigerian city, or any aspiring city, should heed from the decline of Warri as an Oil City.
In the 70s through the 90s, Warri was a bustling industrial hub.
Key industries like Warri Refinery, NNPC, DSC, Delta Glass, Shell, Chevron, Schlumberger, Dunlop, Agip, Saipem, Halliburton, and others operated at full capacity. The Escravos & Forcados were at their zenith.
The city was vibrant, filled with enthusiasm and dynamic activities. Even those living in nearby areas proudly identified as Wafarians, drawn by Warri’s unique lifestyle and culture.
Banks, both multinational and local, flourished, including Citibank, FBN, ACB, and Savannah Bank.
Business thrived, with Warri port being a hive of economic activities.
The entertainment and nightlife were unparalleled, featuring musicians, live bands at Palmgroove Hotel, and comedians. Icons like Fela, Don Baker, Majek Fashek, Emma Grey, Oritz Wiliki, Rex Lawson, among others, contributed to Warri’s lively atmosphere. Popular venues like Lido and Zina were on par with their counterparts elsewhere.
Maritime activities buzzed along McDermot road, while Kingsway Mall offered products rivaling those in Lagos.
Local distributors like Joma & Mosheshe played a significant role in the fish industry across the Niger Delta.
The rubber industry, producing locally for plastics and tyres, was a cornerstone of the local economy.
Warri expanded rapidly, attracting people nationwide for economic opportunities.
Airports, including Escravos, Forcados, and Warri Airport (later relocated to Osubi for expansion), were extremely busy.
The Warri Port was a critical economic catalyst, supporting businesses in Warri, Benin, Asaba, and Onitsha, and providing extensive employment.
However, from the late 90s, internal conflicts escalated. Community leaders and youth chairmen disputed over royalty distribution from oil and other businesses.
Tribal conflicts among Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw groups began around 1999, persisting till 2003/2004.
Leaders imposed local taxes (“Deve”) on companies, industries, and local businesses, leading to a gradual exodus of companies.
This trend continued into the 2000s, with companies departing, escalating unemployment.
By 2010, most companies had left for places like PH, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, further increasing joblessness.
Today, Warri is but a shadow of its former glory, with 95% of major companies gone.
Many youths have left, and those remaining are engaged in small-scale businesses like Keke transport, P.O.S services, spas, boutiques, and beer parlors.
Although peace has returned, the lasting damage from these conflicts is profound and perhaps irreversible.
This decline serves as a warning: no city is immune to economic ruin through conflict. Warri’s leaders never anticipated such a downfall.
Learning from Warri’s experience, it’s crucial to understand why major economies like the US and China staunchly avoid internal conflict – peace attracts business and investment.
Lagos State, currently exhibiting similar high-handedness in enforcing physical planning policies, should learn from Warri’s example. In more rational settings, unauthorized developments might be regularized rather than destroyed. A government that delights in demolishing its citizens’ wealth impoverishes itself.
OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE 
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