The Federal Government has raised concerns over the deaths of 16 Nigerians who reportedly suffered fatal health complications while transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a travel advisory, urging Nigerians with underlying medical conditions to exercise caution when using the Ethiopian capital as a transit destination.
The advisory, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa documented the 16 deaths involving Nigerians travelling through the city this year.
The ministry attributed the potential health risks to Addis Ababa’s high-altitude location, noting that the Ethiopian capital is approximately 2,355 metres above sea level.
It explained that the reduced atmospheric pressure at such elevations lowers oxygen availability, a condition that could create complications for travellers with certain pre-existing medical conditions.
According to the advisory, people with cardiovascular and respiratory ailments are particularly vulnerable, although healthy individuals can generally adapt to the reduced oxygen levels.
The ministry consequently advised Nigerians whose medical conditions could be aggravated by high altitudes to seek medical advice before undertaking journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.
“In view of the foregoing, Nigerians with pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by high-altitudes are strongly advised to exercise caution when planning journeys that involve transit through Addis Ababa,” the statement said.
However, the Federal Government clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia or using Addis Ababa as a transit point.
It said the objective was to ensure that travellers, especially those considered medically vulnerable, were aware of the possible risks and could take appropriate precautions.
The ministry emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians remained central to its foreign affairs responsibilities, urging citizens to prioritise their health when making international travel arrangements.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely travel advisories and relevant information to protect Nigerians travelling abroad.
The advisory carries reference number MFA/PR/2026/297.
