The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, against travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, without appropriate medical guidance, following 16 reported deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year.
The government said the deaths were reportedly linked to health complications associated with the city’s high-altitude environment, urging medically vulnerable travellers to take necessary precautions before embarking on journeys through the Ethiopian capital.
According to a travel advisory issued over the weekend by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability.
The ministry explained that although healthy individuals generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes, people with certain pre-existing medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, could face increased health risks.
It therefore advised Nigerians whose medical conditions could be aggravated by high-altitude environments to exercise caution when planning journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.
The advisory also urged travellers with underlying health conditions to seek appropriate medical advice before undertaking such journeys to ensure they are adequately informed about potential risks and necessary precautions.
The government, however, clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa, but rather to ensure that medically vulnerable individuals make informed decisions about their journeys.
It emphasised that the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians remained a priority, urging all travellers to take appropriate precautions, particularly where existing medical conditions could increase their vulnerability during international travel.
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.
