FG issues Ethiopia travel warning to sick Nigerians as death toll hits 16

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians with pre-existing medical conditions to take precautions when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after 16 Nigerians transiting through the city died this year, PUNCH reports.

The deaths were reportedly linked to complications associated with the Ethiopian capital’s high altitude.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, and issued in Abuja on Friday.

According to the ministry, the deaths were recorded by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa, a city about 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure reduces the availability of oxygen.

It urged Nigerians with conditions that could worsen at high altitude to seek medical advice before planning journeys through the city.

Travellers undergoing medical treatment were also advised to obtain medical guidance before embarking on such trips.

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