Warri [key], city (1991 est. pop. 111,000), S Nigeria, a port on the Warri River. It is a transshipment point where oceangoing vessels meet Niger River boats. The main items shipped from Warri are rubber, palm products, cacao, peanuts, and hides and skins. Warri is one of Nigeria's leading steel centers. Oil and natural gas fields are in the area and refined oil is transported via pipeline to N Nigeria. Other industries include rubber processing, handicraft manufacturing, and ship repair. According to legend, Warri was founded in the 15th cent. by a Benin prince. By the 17th cent. it was independent of Benin, and in the 19th cent. it became wealthy in the palm oil trade. Warri came under British protection in 1884.
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