By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Federal Government has warned Nigerians, particularly those with underlying health conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the deaths of 16 Nigerians in the city this year.
The warning was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday after Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the Ethiopian capital.
According to the ministry, the deaths were reportedly linked to health complications associated with the city’s high altitude.
Addis Ababa is located about 2,355 metres above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen levels, a condition that could pose health risks to some travellers.
The ministry explained that although most healthy individuals can adapt to the environment, people with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions may face increased health risks.
It therefore advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be worsened by high-altitude environments to seek medical advice before travelling through the city.
The ministry stated that the advisory was intended to ensure that medically vulnerable travellers understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions before embarking on their journeys.
However, the Federal Government clarified that the warning was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa.
It added that the advisory formed part of its efforts to protect the health and safety of Nigerians abroad through timely travel information and consular support.
The government also urged affected travellers to obtain appropriate medical guidance before undertaking journeys through the Ethiopian capital.
