Nigeria Issues Ethiopia Travel Health Warning After 16 Nigerians Die in Addis Ababa.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a travel health advisory urging citizens, particularly those with pre existing medical conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the reported deaths of 16 Nigerians transiting through the city in 2026.

The warning was contained in an advisory released on Friday, November 13, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which disclosed that Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa had recorded the deaths. The fatalities were reportedly associated with health complications linked to the Ethiopian capital’s high altitude environment.

According to the ministry, Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level. At this elevation, lower atmospheric pressure reduces oxygen availability, potentially creating health challenges for individuals whose medical conditions make them more vulnerable to changes in oxygen levels.

The ministry specifically identified people living with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions as potentially vulnerable to complications associated with high altitude environments.

Although healthy individuals can generally adapt to reduced oxygen availability, the government warned that travellers with certain underlying medical conditions could face increased health risks.

Consequently, Nigerians whose medical conditions could be aggravated by high altitudes have been advised to seek appropriate medical guidance before undertaking journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.

The advisory, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, also encouraged travellers to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions based on their individual health circumstances.

FG Clarifies That Advisory Is Not a Travel Ban

The Federal Government clarified that the advisory should not be interpreted as a restriction on travelling to Ethiopia or using Addis Ababa as an international transit destination.

Rather, the government explained that the warning was intended to ensure that medically vulnerable passengers understand the potential health implications of high altitude environments and obtain appropriate medical advice before travelling.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of Nigerians travelling abroad, stressing the importance of informed travel decisions, particularly for individuals with existing medical conditions.

Addis Ababa’s Importance as an International Transit Hub

Addis Ababa remains a major international aviation hub in Africa and serves as the principal operating base of Ethiopian Airlines, one of the continent’s largest carriers.

The Ethiopian capital is an important connecting destination for passengers travelling from Nigeria to various international destinations, making it a frequently used transit point for Nigerian air travellers.

The reported deaths have therefore drawn attention to the importance of considering individual health conditions when selecting international flight routes and transit destinations.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not disclosed the identities of the 16 deceased Nigerians, detailed circumstances surrounding the deaths, or individual medical findings establishing the precise causes of each fatality.

The advisory instead focuses on raising awareness of potential altitude related health risks and encouraging vulnerable travellers to seek professional medical guidance.

The development highlights the importance of stronger travel health awareness, timely government advisories and access to appropriate medical information for Africans undertaking international journeys.

Obaland Magazine will continue to monitor developments surrounding the government’s travel advisory and other issues affecting the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.