Unveiling the Captivating Middle Belt: A Journey of Discovery
Central Nigeria’s Unique Ethnocultural Region
Welcome to the beautiful world of the Middle Belt, a captivating ethnocultural region located in the heart of Nigeria, West Africa.
Often referred to as “Central Nigeria,” this region is home to the famous Nok Culture from circa 1500 BC to circa 500 AD. It has a rich history, diverse ethnic groups, many languages, awesome landscapes, and abundant resources.
Join us on this journey as we delve into the fascinating attributes that make the Middle Belt a remarkable part of Nigeria.
Historical Significance
What is known of the Middle Belt before the era of the Nok Culture (c. 1,500 BC to c. 500 AD) remains a mystery. However, it is known that a great confederacy arose from this very area called the Kwararafa. The Hausa city-states and the Kanem-Borno empire to its north refer to its pagan (non-Muslim) inhabitants as such and the Jukun god-king acted in the capacity of its leader.
Kwararafa waged war with its northern neighbors and the invasion of Kano, Katsina, and Zaria in Hausaland; and of Ngazaragamu, the Borno capital in the 17th century were recorded in the Kano and Borno Chronicles, and by Leo Africanus — the North African traveller.
Today, the Middle Belt is a part of Nigeria, with boundaries stretching from the Republic of Benin to the west to the Republic of Cameroon to the east, and from Northern Nigeria (Hausa and Kanuri lands) to Southern Nigeria.
Ethnic Composition and Languages
The Middle Belt’s ethnic composition can be puzzling to comprehend, as it is a conglomerate of various ethnic groups often labeled as “minorities” in Nigeria. The Middle Belt has no major ethnic group, but the available ethnic groups share cultures, religions, and traditions.
The Middle Belt could be divided into first nations (indigenous groups present long enough in the area to be termed as such — e.g., the Adara, Atyap, Berom, Ebira, Eggon, Gbagyi, Idoma, Igala, Jukun, Marghi, Nupe, Tarok, Yoruba, Zaar, and others), second nations (groups which later came and met the indigenous groups and through continued migration were able to establish themselves in the region as Middle Beltern groups — e.g., the Tiv, Chamba, and others); and third nations (groups culturally belonging to the north and south of Nigeria — e.g., Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Kanuri, and others).
Of Nigeria’s about 509 living languages, about two-thirds are spoken in the Middle Belt. Among the most widely spoken languages here are Tiv, Nupe, Gbagyi, Igala, Idoma, and Berom. Others are Adara, Baatonum, Eggon, Izere, Kamberi, Jukun, Marghi, Tyap and Zaar.
Geographical Terrain
Grasping the geographical terrain of the Middle Belt can be challenging, considering its varied landscapes and natural wonders. By exploring the region’s geographical features, we can appreciate the breathtaking beauty and understand the significance of its diverse topography. The region is found within a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling plains to lush forests, and from scenic plateaus to majestic rivers. This varied terrain provides fertile ground for agriculture, supports diverse ecosystems, and offers breathtaking vistas that captivate both locals and foreign visitors alike.
The Middle Belt is home to the highest mountain peaks and coldest weather in Nigeria. Crops grown in the temperate regions of the world such as tea, apple, grapes, blackcurrant, and others are grown on the Jos-Bauchi Plateau and Mambilla highlands of the Middle Belt.
Nigeria’s two main rivers — the rivers Niger and Benue confluence in the Middle Belt and flow down south of Nigeria to form the Niger Delta — rich in oil resources and marine life.
As we conclude our journey through the Middle Belt, we hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary region.
Come visit the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State; the Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Taraba and Adamawa States; the Kainji National Park in Niger State, the Nok and Jos Museums in Kaduna and Plateau States; the Tin mines in Jos, Plateau State; Gembu, the highest point in Nigeria situated on the Mambilla Plateau and perhaps the coldest with temperatures reaching as low as 9.4°C and stays below 31.1°C.
The Middle Belt’s rich history, diverse ethnic composition, stunning landscapes, and abundant resources make it a true gem within Nigeria.
The Middle Belt stands as a testament to the beauty of unity in diversity, and its people’s aspirations for self-determination and equitable representation resonate deeply.
Let us embrace the Middle Belt’s cultural wealth, celebrate its uniqueness, and work towards a future where all its inhabitants thrive together, fostering harmony and progress for generations to come.
