The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory, warning citizens to be cautious when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, due to its high altitude, which could pose health risks.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the high altitude could pose a serious risk to travellers with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

The ministry said at least 16 Nigerians have died due to complications linked to the city’s high-altitude terrain but did not provide details.

According to the ministry, Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, sits about 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure reduces oxygen availability and poses a health risk to travellers.

Addis Ababa is a major international aviation hub and the principal operating base of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier.

The city serves as a connecting point for passengers travelling from Nigeria to several international destinations, making it a regular transit destination for Nigerian air travellers.

According to the ministry, healthy people are likely to adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments. However, people with certain underlying medical conditions could face increased health risks.

It specifically identified cardiovascular and respiratory conditions as ailments that could be aggravated by exposure to such environments.

“People with certain pre-existing medical ailments, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, may experience increased health risks in such conditions.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria advises 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 statement read.

The ministry, however, clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia or using Addis Ababa as a transit destination.

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Rather, it said the warning was aimed at ensuring that medically vulnerable travellers were adequately informed about the potential effects of high altitude and could take necessary precautions.

“The Federal Government places a high premium on the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians and therefore urges all travellers to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions, particularly where existing medical conditions may increase their vulnerability during travel,” the statement said.

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Nigerian govt issues travel advisory to Addis Ababa

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