Nigeria Issues Travel Advisory on Transit Through Ethiopia After 16 Deaths

Oluchi Chibuzor

The federal government has advised Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the travel advisory yesterday, warning that the deaths were reportedly linked to health complications associated with the Ethiopian capital’s high altitude.

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.

It explained that while healthy individuals are generally able to adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments, people with existing medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, could face increased health risks.

The ministry therefore urged Nigerians with medical conditions that could be aggravated by high altitudes to seek appropriate medical advice before planning journeys involving transit through the Ethiopian capital.

It also advised travellers undergoing medical treatment to consult their healthcare providers before embarking on such journeys.

However, the government clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa.

Rather, it said the notice was aimed at ensuring that people who may be medically vulnerable to the effects of high altitudes were adequately informed and encouraged to take the necessary precautions before travelling.