Federal Government has advised Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the deaths of 16 Nigerians reportedly linked to complications associated with the city’s high altitude.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a travel advisory issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, stating that Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa recorded the deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the Ethiopian capital this year.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability.
The ministry explained that although healthy individuals can generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes, people with certain underlying medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, could face increased health risks.
It consequently urged Nigerians whose medical conditions could be aggravated by high-altitude environments to seek appropriate medical advice before embarking on journeys involving stopovers in the Ethiopian capital.
The government also advised travellers to take necessary precautions and make informed decisions when planning international trips, especially where existing health conditions could increase their vulnerability.
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 aware of the potential health risks and obtained appropriate guidance before travelling.
Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of Nigerians travelling abroad.
