The Gbagyi or Gbari (plural - Agbagyi/Agbari) 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. It is also the name of their language. Members of this ethnic group speak two dialects. 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, they prefer to be known as Gbagyi/Gbari. They live in Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory - Abuja, and Kaduna State. They are also found in Nasarawa State, central Nigeria Area. Gbagyi/Gbari is one of the most populous ethnic groups in the middle belt and indigenous to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. This means Gbagyi people are among the bonafide owners of the Nigerian capital city, Abuja.

Historically, the Gbagyi/Gbari practice a patrilineal kinship system. The lowest tier of authority is found in the extended family compound led by the oldest male. 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.

Women historically have been known to carry things on their shoulders instead of their heads. This is because it is believed that since the head is the "King of the entire body", you should not carry anything normal on it.

Additionally, Gbagyi familiarity with the lapis lazuli stone has been taken in some quarters as indication of Egyptian origin. The question of Gbagyi origin is further complicated by the fact that the Nupe and Gbagyi languages have recognised affinity and the Koro, whose history seems to have been intricately linked with that of the Gbagyi, actually claim linkage with Wukari and the Kwarafara empire (Cadman, 1913).

The Gbagyi people are found in various locations in Middle Belt (Central) Nigeria. They inhabit the western parts of Abuja, southern Niger State, Chikun Local Government Area with its headquarters at Kujama in Kaduna state and Nassarawa state. 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, Maikunkele, Manta, Wushapa (Ushafa), Bisi, Bwaya (Bwari), Suleja, Shiroro (Shilolo), Beji, Diko, Alawa, Erena, Paiko/ Paigo, Lambata, Zugba, Nuku, Gbogo and Farin Doki. There are some theories that posit a reason for the scattered settlements and migration of the Gbagyi people. Some historians believe the Gbagyi were displaced from their original settlements during the Fulani Jihad, while some local historians link migration with the need for farmland by the Gbagyi. Chigudu, pp. 1–2

Gbagyi settlements can be both large and small. In locations where farming is the dominant occupation, the settlements tend to be small so that enough land is available for farming.

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. The result was dislocation, the removal of people from their ancestral homes, from spiritual symbols such as Zuma Rock, seeing their ancestral land referred to as no-man's land, and issues about adjusting to the new environment given by the government. However, many displaced families were given housing, but some lived in transit and settlement camps for a long while.

The Gbagyi people are known to be peace-loving, transparent and accommodating people. Northerners are fond of saying in Hausa language muyi shi Gwari Gwari, "let’s do it like the Gbagyi" or "in the Gbagyi way". 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. Daily they aspire to give life a meaning no matter the situation in which they find themselves.