FG issues alert after 16 Nigerians die in Ethiopia

The Federal Government has issued a travel alert following the deaths of 16 Nigerians who suffered health complications while transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned travellers with pre-existing medical conditions to take extra precautions when flying through the Ethiopian capital. According to the ministry, the fatalities were reported by Nigeria's diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa and were attributed to health issues related to the city's high-altitude environment.

The capital sits at an altitude of approximately 2,355 meters above sea level, where lower oxygen levels and reduced atmospheric pressure could pose risks for individuals with certain medical conditions. While healthy individuals generally adapt well to high altitudes, those with cardiovascular and respiratory disorders may experience increased health risks.

The government advised such travellers to consult with medical professionals before booking flights involving stopovers in Addis Ababa. The advisory, however, was not intended to deter Nigerians from visiting or transiting through the city, but rather to ensure that medically vulnerable individuals were aware of the potential risks and took necessary precautions.