The Federal Government has warned Nigerians with pre-existing medical conditions to take precautions when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year, reportedly linked to complications associated with high altitude.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a travel advisory issued on Friday in Abuja. The statement was signed by the spokesperson of the ministry, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.

The ministry said the deaths were recorded by Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa. It noted that the city is located approximately 2,355 metres, about 7,726 feet, above sea level.

“This year, Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa has recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city, reportedly linked to health complications associated with high altitudes,” the statement said.

It explained that Addis Ababa’s high altitude could pose health risks because lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability.

While healthy individuals are generally able to adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high altitude environments, persons with certain pre-existing medical ailments, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, may experience increased health risks in such conditions.

The government consequently advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be worsened by high altitude to exercise caution when planning journeys involving transit through the Ethiopian capital.

Travellers with underlying medical conditions were also urged to obtain appropriate medical guidance before undertaking such journeys, and to make informed decisions about their travel routes.

Addis Ababa is one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs. Its Bole International Airport is the main hub of Ethiopian Airlines and a major connecting point for travellers between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Many Nigerians use the airport for onward connections to different parts of the world.

The ministry, however, clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa.

“The Federal Government wishes to emphasise that this advisory is not intended to discourage Nigerians from transiting through or travelling to Addis Ababa,” it said. “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 did not disclose the identities of the deceased, their underlying medical conditions or the specific circumstances surrounding the deaths.