FG Warns Nigerians With Health Conditions Against Addis Ababa Transit Risks

The Federal Government has advised Nigerians, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the deaths of 16 Nigerians reportedly linked to health complications associated with the city’s high altitude.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa recorded the deaths this year involving Nigerians who were transiting through the Ethiopian capital.

In a travel advisory issued on Friday, the government explained that Addis Ababa’s location, approximately 2,355 metres above sea level, exposes travellers to reduced atmospheric pressure and lower oxygen availability, which could pose health risks to people with certain medical conditions.

It identified people with cardiovascular and respiratory ailments as particularly vulnerable to the physiological effects of high-altitude environments.

According to the government, although healthy individuals can generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels, those with pre-existing medical conditions may experience complications under such circumstances.

It therefore urged travellers with underlying health conditions that could be aggravated by high altitudes to seek appropriate medical advice before embarking on journeys involving transit through the Ethiopian city.

The advisory stated that the precaution was necessary to enable medically vulnerable travellers to make informed decisions and take appropriate measures to protect their health.

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

“Rather, it aims to ensure that persons who may be medically vulnerable to the physiological effects of high altitudes are adequately informed and encouraged to take necessary precautions before embarking on their journeys,” it said.

The statement, signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, reiterated the government’s commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians travelling within and outside the country.

It urged all travellers to prioritise their health when making travel arrangements, particularly where existing medical conditions could increase their vulnerability.

The ministry also 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.