The Federal Government has issued a high-altitude travel advisory warning (*16*) about potential well being dangers related to transiting by means of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following 16 deaths involving (*16*) in the town this yr.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a press release signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, November 13, 2026.
According to the ministry, the deaths have been reportedly linked to well being issues related to the high-altitude situations in the Ethiopian capital.
High altitude linked to well being dangers
In its advisory, the Federal Government urged (*16*), notably these with underlying medical situations, to take precautions when planning journeys by means of the Ethiopian capital.
- “The Federal Government of Nigeria wishes to advise Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise caution and seek appropriate medical advice when planning journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in view of the potential health risks associated with the city’s high-altitude terrain,” the assertion learn.
- The ministry defined that Addis Ababa is located roughly 2,355 metres (7,726 ft) above sea stage, the place decrease atmospheric strain outcomes in lowered oxygen availability.
It famous that whereas wholesome people can typically adapt to lowered oxygen ranges, individuals with sure underlying medical situations, notably cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, could face elevated well being dangers.
- “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 assertion learn.
The authorities due to this fact suggested (*16*) whose medical situations might be aggravated by excessive altitudes to train warning and procure applicable medical steering earlier than endeavor journeys by means of Addis Ababa.
Government clarifies travel advisory
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs careworn that the advisory was not meant to discourage (*16*) from travelling to or transiting by means of Addis Ababa.
Rather, it mentioned the discover was aimed toward making certain that travellers who could also be susceptible to the physiological results of excessive altitudes are adequately knowledgeable and take crucial precautions earlier than travelling.
The ministry added that the federal government locations a excessive premium on the well being, security and wellbeing of (*16*) and urged travellers to make knowledgeable selections when planning worldwide journeys.
It additionally reaffirmed its dedication to offering well timed travel data and steering to (*16*) travelling overseas as a part of efforts to safeguard their welfare.
Ethiopia’s aviation and travel connections
Beyond the well being dangers related to its high-altitude location, Addis Ababa is a crucial transit level for Nigerian travellers connecting to locations throughout Europe, Asia and different components of the world.
In December 2025, Nairametrics reported that Addis Ababa Bole International Airport ranked third among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats, recording 1.17 million seats, up 5.5% from 1.11 million in December 2024. The airport serves as the principle hub for Ethiopian Airlines and a serious connection level for worldwide travellers.
Beyond its significance as an aviation hub, Ethiopia has additionally launched immigration necessities affecting Nigerian travellers. In October 2022, Nairametrics reported that the country had stopped issuing visas on arrival to Nigerian citizens, requiring them to acquire visas by means of the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja or its digital visa portal.
More lately, in August 2026, Nairametrics reported that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) linked Morocco’s tighter transit restrictions on Nigerian passengers to the use of fake Schengen visa stamps by some travellers trying to succeed in Europe.
