The Federal Government has warned Nigerians with underlying health conditions against travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, without first seeking medical advice, following the reported deaths of 16 Nigerians transiting through the city this year.
The government attributed the deaths to health complications reportedly associated with the high-altitude environment of the Ethiopian capital, urging travellers, particularly those with cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, to exercise caution.
The warning was contained in a travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, which explained that Addis Ababa’s geographical location could pose health risks to people with certain pre-existing medical conditions.
According to the ministry, the Ethiopian capital is situated approximately 2,355 metres above sea level, where reduced atmospheric pressure results in lower oxygen availability.
“This year, Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa has recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city, reportedly linked to health complications associated with high-altitudes,” the advisory stated.
The ministry explained that although healthy individuals could generally adjust to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments, people with certain medical conditions might experience serious complications.
It specifically identified cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as conditions that could increase travellers’ vulnerability to the effects of reduced oxygen availability.
Consequently, the government advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be aggravated by high-altitude environments to consult healthcare professionals before embarking on journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.
“Travellers with underlying medical conditions are also urged to obtain appropriate medical guidance before undertaking such journeys,” the ministry added.
The Federal Government, however, clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia or using Addis Ababa as a transit destination.
Rather, it said the notice was aimed at ensuring that medically vulnerable travellers were adequately informed about potential health risks and took necessary precautions before travelling.
The advisory comes amid concerns over the safety of Nigerians travelling through the Ethiopian capital, particularly those with underlying health conditions.
