By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians, particularly those with existing medical conditions, to take precautions when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a travel advisory issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, warning that the high-altitude environment in the Ethiopian capital could pose health risks to people with certain medical conditions.
According to the ministry, Addis Ababa is located about 2,355 metres above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure reduces the amount of oxygen available in the air.
It said Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in the city had recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through Addis Ababa this year, reportedly linked to health complications associated with high altitudes.
The ministry explained that although healthy people can generally adjust to lower oxygen levels, travellers with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions may face increased risks.
It therefore advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be worsened by high-altitude environments to seek medical advice before making travel arrangements involving transit through Addis Ababa.
The government stressed that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from visiting Ethiopia or using the city as a transit point.
Rather, it said the warning was aimed at ensuring that medically vulnerable travellers understand the possible risks and take necessary precautions before embarking on their journeys.
“The Federal Government places high premium on the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians and therefore urges all travellers to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions,” the ministry stated.
The advisory was signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who said the ministry would continue providing timely information and guidance to Nigerians travelling abroad.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
