The Federal Government has issued a high-altitude travel advisory, cautioning Nigerians about potential health risks associated with transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following 16 reported deaths involving Nigerian nationals in the city this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the advisory in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The ministry said the deaths were reportedly associated with health complications arising from the high-altitude conditions in the Ethiopian capital.
In its advisory, the Federal Government urged Nigerians, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, to exercise caution and take necessary precautions when planning trips involving transit through Addis Ababa.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria wishes to advise Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise caution and seek appropriate medical advice when planning journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in view of the potential health risks associated with the city’s high-altitude terrain,” the statement read.
The ministry noted that Addis Ababa lies about 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure reduces the availability of oxygen in the air.
The ministry explained that although healthy individuals can generally adjust to lower oxygen levels, those with certain underlying health conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, may be more vulnerable to altitude-related complications.
“While healthy individuals are generally able to adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments, persons with certain pre-existing medical ailments, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, may experience increased health risks in such conditions,” the statement read.
It therefore advised Nigerians whose medical conditions could be worsened by high-altitude environments to exercise caution and seek appropriate medical advice before travelling through Addis Ababa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa.
Instead, it said the notice was designed to raise awareness among travellers who may be vulnerable to the physiological effects of high altitudes and encourage them to take necessary precautions before embarking on their journeys.
The ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians, urging travellers to make informed decisions when planning international trips.
