SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Federal Government has raised concerns over the deaths of 16 Nigerians who reportedly died while transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this year, warning travellers with underlying medical conditions to take precautions before embarking on journeys through the city.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a travel advisory issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, explaining that the reported deaths were linked to health complications associated with Addis Ababa’s high altitude.
According to the ministry, the Ethiopian capital is located approximately 2,355 meters (7,726 feet) above sea level. At this elevation, atmospheric pressure is lower, meaning less oxygen is available with each breath compared with locations closer to sea level.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who signed the advisory, explained that although most healthy individuals can adjust to the reduced oxygen levels, people with certain pre-existing medical conditions may face serious health risks.
Those particularly vulnerable include individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, whose bodies may struggle to cope with reduced oxygen availability.
The government therefore advised Nigerians with underlying health challenges to consult qualified medical professionals before travelling through Addis Ababa, particularly where their conditions could worsen at high altitudes.
Importantly, the advisory is not a travel ban or a warning against using Ethiopia as a transit destination. Rather, the government said its intention was to ensure that medically vulnerable passengers understand the potential risks and make informed decisions before travelling.
The development also draws attention to an often-overlooked aspect of international air travel: the health implications of transit destinations.
For many Nigerian travellers, Addis Ababa is an important international aviation connection, particularly for passengers travelling to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. However, the city’s elevation means that passengers with certain health conditions may require additional medical consideration, even when they are only stopping over rather than staying for an extended period.
The reported deaths also underline the importance of pre-travel medical assessments, especially for elderly passengers and people managing chronic illnesses.
Travellers are encouraged to discuss their travel plans with healthcare professionals, carry prescribed medications, and follow medical advice concerning altitude exposure.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remain a priority, promising to continue providing relevant travel information and guidance.
For passengers planning international journeys through Addis Ababa, the message is clear: choosing a flight connection should involve more than comparing ticket prices and travel times. Personal health and medical preparedness must also be part of the decision.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
