By Ayodele Oni
Sixteen Nigerians have been confirmed dead, following health complications associated with high altitude Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Following the development, the Federal Government has issued a travel advisory warning Nigerians, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through the country.
A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an advisory dated Friday, November 13, 2026, urged Nigerians planning journeys involving transit through the Ethiopian capital to seek appropriate medical advice and take necessary precautions before travelling.
The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, in Abuja.
According to the ministry, Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability and could pose health risks to susceptible individuals.
The ministry disclosed that Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa has recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year, reportedly linked to medical complications associated with the high-altitude environment.
It explained that although healthy individuals generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude locations, people with certain pre-existing medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, could face increased health risks.
“Consequently, the government strongly advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be aggravated by high altitudes to exercise caution when planning journeys through Addis Ababa.”
It also urged travellers with underlying health challenges to obtain appropriate medical guidance before embarking on such journeys.
However, the ministry clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa.
“Rather, it said the warning was aimed at ensuring that medically vulnerable travellers were adequately informed about the possible physiological effects of high altitudes and encouraged to take necessary precautions.
“The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians travelling abroad, urging all citizens to make informed travel decisions, particularly where existing medical conditions could increase their vulnerability.
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