The Gbagyi or Gbari (plural - Agbagyi/Agbari)[1] are an ethnic group found predominantly in Central Nigeria with an estimated population of 12 million spread in four states, including Abuja, and located in thirty local government areas.

While speakers of the dialects were loosely called Gwari by both the Hausa and the Fulani, as well as by Europeans during pre-colonial Nigeria,[3] they prefer to be known as Gbagyi/Gbari.

Being a patriarchal community, the Osu (king) is the highest tier of authority in a Gbagyi/Gbari settlement and he is assisted by a group of elders who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring peace in the land.

[10] Significant Gbagyi towns include Minna, Karu, Kuta, Kwakuti, Kwali, Gawu, Yelwa, Toto, Araba, Nakuse, Rubochi, Abaji, Geku, Gadabuje, Majaga, (Gusolo) Gussoro, (Gbada) Gwada, Guni, Fuka, Galkogo, Maikunle, Manta, Wushapa (Ushafa), Bisi, Bwaya (Bwari), Suleja, Shiroro (Shilolo), Beji, Diko, Alawa, Erena, Paiko/ Paigo, Lambata, Zugba, Nuku, Gbogo and Farin Doki.

The Gbagyi were the largest among the ethnic groups that inhabited the land proposed for development when Abuja was chosen as Nigeria's new federal capital.

According to Theophilus Tanko Chigudu, the Gbagyi people have emerged as a unique breed among Nigerians: their culture shows how much they have come to terms with the universe.

The Gbagyi people are typically adherents of the Christian faith, however a growing subset practice Islam and their own traditional religion.