By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has advised Nigerians, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, to exercise caution when travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, over potential health risks associated with the city's high altitude.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed in a statement by its Spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday that Nigeria's Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city this year, reportedly linked to health complications associated with high-altitude conditions.
In a travel advisory issued on Friday, the Ministry explained that Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres above sea level, where reduced atmospheric pressure results in lower oxygen availability.
It noted that although healthy individuals generally adapt to such conditions, people with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory ailments could face increased health risks.
The government, therefore, urged Nigerians with medical conditions that could be aggravated by high altitudes to seek appropriate medical advice before embarking on journeys involving transit through the Ethiopian capital.
It, however, clarified that the advisory was not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa, but to ensure that medically vulnerable travellers were adequately informed and took necessary precautions.
The Ministry stressed that the welfare, health and safety of Nigerians remained a priority, urging travellers to make informed decisions when planning international journeys.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely travel information and guidance to Nigerians abroad.