The Socioeconomic Relationship between Nupe and its Neighbours: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the multifaceted socio-economic relationship between the Nupe people and their neighbors including the Hausa, Yoruba, Igala, and Gbagyi, from the pre-colonial era through the early 20th century. Utilizing a historical-analytical framework, the research investigates how the Nupe Kingdom (KinNupe) leveraged its strategic location at the confluence of the Niger and Kaduna Rivers to become a pivotal hub for regional trade, cultural exchange, and political diplomacy. The analysis reveals that the relationship was defined by a complex blend of symbiotic trade (notably in textiles, glasswork, and horses), inter-ethnic marriages, and shared religious developments, alongside periods of tension driven by territorial expansion and the 19th-century Jihad. The study argues that these interactions were not merely transactional but served as the primary engine for regional integration and technological diffusion in the Middle Belt of Nigeria. Ultimately, the research highlights how these historical ties laid the foundation for the contemporary socio-economic landscape of the region, offering insights into the enduring nature of inter-group relations in a pluralistic society.