FG warns Nigerians over Addis Ababa altitude risks after 16 deaths

The Federal Government has issued a high-altitude travel advisory for Nigerians transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after 16 deaths involving Nigerians in the city this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the deaths were reportedly linked to health complications associated with the Ethiopian capital's high-altitude conditions.

What the advisory says

The ministry disclosed the advisory in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, November 13, 2026. It urged Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to take precautions when planning journeys through Addis Ababa.

The statement said: '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 government advised Nigerians whose medical conditions could be aggravated by high altitudes to obtain appropriate medical guidance before travelling through the city.

Why altitude is a concern

The ministry said Addis Ababa sits approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability. It noted that healthy individuals can generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels, but people with certain underlying medical conditions may face higher risks.

The statement said: '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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa. It said the notice was meant to ensure that vulnerable travellers are informed and take necessary precautions. The ministry added that the government places a high premium on the health, safety and wellbeing of Nigerians and urged travellers to make informed decisions when planning international journeys.

Travel hub and visa rules

Addis Ababa remains an important transit point for Nigerian travellers connecting to Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. In December 2025, 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 is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines and a major connection point for international travellers.

Ethiopia stopped issuing visas on arrival to Nigerian citizens in October 2022. Travellers were required to obtain visas through the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja or its electronic visa portal. In August 2026, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority linked Morocco's tighter transit restrictions on Nigerian passengers to the use of fake Schengen visa stamps by some travellers attempting to reach Europe.

For Nigerian travellers, the advisory does not close the Addis Ababa route. It adds a health check before booking through a major hub for Europe and Asia. Businesses that fly staff through the city may need to factor medical advice into travel plans.