FG Raises Alarm as 16 Nigerians Die in Addis Ababa

The Federal Government has issued a travel advisory warning Nigerians, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This is following the death of 16 Nigerians reportedly linked to health complications associated with the city’s high altitude.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a travel advisory issued on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The Ministry noted that Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa recorded the deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the Ethiopian capital this year.

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 although healthy individuals generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments, people with certain pre-existing medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, may face increased health risks.

Consequently, the government advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be aggravated by high altitudes to exercise caution when planning journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.

It also urged travellers with underlying health conditions to seek appropriate medical advice before embarking on such journeys.

The ministry, however, 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 adequately informed about the potential physiological effects of high-altitude environments and encouraged to take necessary precautions.

“The Federal Government places high premium on the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians and therefore urges all travellers to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions, particularly where existing medical conditions may increase their vulnerability during travels,” the advisory stated.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely information and guidance to Nigerians travelling abroad as part of efforts to safeguard their welfare and promote their safety.

TNG reports the advisory was signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.