RismadarVoice Reporters
November 14, 2026
The Federal Government has issued a travel advisory urging Nigerians with underlying medical conditions to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the reported deaths of 16 Nigerian travellers this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
According to the ministry, Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the Ethiopian capital, with the incidents reportedly associated with health complications linked to the city’s high altitude.
The ministry explained that Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres, or 7,726 feet, above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure reduces the availability of oxygen.
It warned that such conditions could pose additional health risks to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly those affecting the heart and respiratory system.
While healthy individuals can generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels, the ministry noted that people living with certain medical conditions may experience difficulties when exposed to high-altitude environments.
The Federal Government consequently advised Nigerians with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions to consult qualified medical professionals before undertaking journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.
It emphasised that obtaining appropriate medical guidance could help vulnerable travellers understand potential risks and take necessary precautions.
The ministry, however, clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from visiting Ethiopia or travelling through its capital.
Rather, it said the warning was designed to improve public awareness and encourage informed travel decisions among individuals whose health conditions could be aggravated by reduced oxygen availability.
The government also urged travellers to consider their personal health circumstances when planning international journeys, particularly those involving destinations situated at significant elevations.
Although the diplomatic mission recorded 16 deaths, the ministry did not provide individual medical findings establishing high altitude as the definitive cause of each death.
The reported association therefore remains distinct from a confirmed medical determination in every case.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad through timely travel advisories and relevant consular information.
It encouraged citizens to prioritise medical consultations and appropriate precautions before travelling through environments that could present additional health challenges.
