The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued an urgent travel advisory cautioning citizens, particularly those living with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise heightened care when travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the recorded deaths of 16 Nigerians in the East African capital this year.
​The advisory was released in Abuja on Friday, November 13, 2026, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an official statement signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Mr. Oluwafemi Adeniyi. According to the statement, the fatalities were documented by Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa over the course of 2026 and were linked to health complications triggered by the city’s high-altitude environment.
In explaining the medical basis for the warning, Adeniyi noted that Addis Ababa is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level. At this altitude, lower atmospheric pressure leads to significantly reduced oxygen availability.
​While healthy travellers generally adapt to lower oxygen levels without severe distress, the Ministry highlighted that the physiological strain can trigger life-threatening complications for individuals with underlying health issues, especially those suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory ailments.
Because Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport serves as a major aviation hub for Nigerians connecting to destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, thousands of Nigerian passengers pass through the city annually.
​”Travellers with underlying medical conditions are also urged to obtain appropriate medical guidance before undertaking such journeys,” the advisory stated, advising vulnerable passengers to consult healthcare professionals and take necessary precautions prior to departure.
The Federal Government clarified that Friday’s directive is strictly a precautionary health measure and is not intended to discourage or restrict Nigerians from visiting or transiting through Ethiopia. Rather, the notice aims to ensure that travellers are adequately informed about the environmental realities of the Ethiopian capital so they can make safe travel decisions.
​”The Federal Government places high premium on the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians and therefore urges all travellers to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions,” Adeniyi added, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to providing timely consular guidance to safeguard citizens abroad.
