FG warns Nigerians with health conditions against Addis Ababa transit

The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians with underlying health conditions against travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, without first seeking medical advice.

The warning follows reports that 16 Nigerians died this year from health complications reportedly associated with the Ethiopian capital’s high altitude.

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

In a travel advisory issued on Friday, the government explained that Addis Ababa’s location, about 2,355 metres above sea level, could expose travellers to health risks.

It noted that the city’s altitude results in lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen availability, which could pose challenges for people with certain medical conditions.

The ministry specifically identified people with cardiovascular and respiratory ailments as 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.

It therefore advised Nigerians whose health conditions could worsen at high altitudes to consult medical professionals before embarking on journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.

The ministry said the precaution would help medically vulnerable travellers understand the potential risks and take appropriate steps to protect their health.

However, it clarified that the advisory did not seek to discourage Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia or using Addis Ababa as a transit destination.

“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,” the government said.

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

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

The ministry also pledged to continue providing timely information and guidance to Nigerians travelling abroad to safeguard their welfare and promote their safety.