The name of our country is Nigeria. However the name Naija seems to stick and has become very popular.
Who knows the origin of this name and how it came about. Where and when was it first used?

dont know, but it could come from [river] niger, since the pronunciation is the same.

shortened form of nigeria.

I think Mr. Mungo Park named it Nigeria meaning "Niger Area"

_{am not sure how true it is sha o. . .dont quote me}

some one suggested that the slang "naija" was originated by nigerian students in UK in the early 50's /60's as a way of identifying fellow nigerians without attracting the attention of other foreigners/whites. in the same way as "smoke" was used to refer to the police. maybe someone can reconfirm this.

Yeah that's interesting to know. I however do not think it has anything to do with the River Niger. Same way people say KD (for Kaduna), Lag (for Lagos) B-side (for Benin), PH, etc. The origin of these slangs is very hard to trace and there is usually no logic to it. It just springs up and everyone somehow begins to use it.

Naija - Niger, it's not hard.