The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, particularly those with underlying health conditions, following reports of 16 deaths involving Nigerian travellers who transited through the city this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the advisory on Friday, attributing the reported deaths to health complications associated with the Ethiopian capital’s high altitude.
According to the ministry, Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where reduced atmospheric pressure results in lower oxygen availability.
It explained that while healthy individuals can generally adapt to the reduced oxygen levels, travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, may face serious health risks.
The government therefore advised Nigerians whose medical conditions could be affected by high-altitude environments to consult their doctors before making travel arrangements involving transit through Addis Ababa.
Those currently undergoing medical treatment were also urged to seek professional medical advice before embarking on such journeys.
However, the ministry clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia or using Addis Ababa as a transit destination.
It said the warning was aimed at raising awareness and ensuring that travellers who may be vulnerable to altitude-related health complications take appropriate precautions before travelling.
