16 Nigerians Die During Transit Through Ethiopia, FG Issues Travel Warning

The Federal Government has disclosed that 16 Nigerians died this year while transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, amid concerns over health complications associated with the city’s high-altitude environment.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which raised the alarm in a travel advisory, urged Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to take necessary precautions when travelling through the Ethiopian capital.

The advisory, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa recorded the 16 deaths involving citizens transiting through the city in 2026.

According to the ministry, Addis Ababa sits approximately 2,355 metres above sea level, a geographical condition that results in lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen availability.

It warned that the environment could pose significant health challenges for people with certain underlying conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The ministry explained that while healthy travellers could generally adjust to reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes, individuals with existing health complications might be more vulnerable to adverse effects.

It therefore advised Nigerians with medical conditions that could be worsened by high-altitude exposure to consult healthcare professionals before undertaking journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.

“In view of the foregoing, Nigerians with pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by high-altitudes are strongly advised to exercise caution when planning journeys that involve transit through Addis Ababa,” the advisory stated.

The government clarified that the warning was not a travel ban or an attempt to discourage Nigerians from visiting Ethiopia or using Addis Ababa as a transit destination.

Rather, it said the advisory was intended to raise awareness about potential health risks and enable vulnerable travellers to make informed decisions before embarking on their journeys.

The ministry reiterated that the protection of Nigerians at home and abroad remained a priority, assuring that it would continue to provide relevant information and guidance to citizens travelling internationally.

The advisory was issued under reference number MFA/PR/2026/297.