The ministry of foreign affairs has cautioned Nigerians against travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after Abuja’s Diplomatic Mission recorded 16 deaths of persons transiting through the North African nation.

The spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, in a statement on Friday, warned Nigerians with underlying illnesses related to the heart to shelve travel plans to or through Ethiopia due to its high altitude.

Mr Adeniyi explained that Addis Ababa is situated far above sea levels which consequently affects the level of oxygen in the country and could have dire impact on persons living with heart conditions.

He stated that while healthy individuals could adapt to reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments, persons with certain pre-existing medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, might face increased health risks.

“Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726 feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced oxygen availability,” the statement said.

Mr Adeniyi said Addis Ababa’s exceptionally high altitude reportedly resulted in the deaths of 16 Nigerians travelling through the capital.

“This year, Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa has recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city, reportedly linked to health complications associated with high-altitudes,” Mr Adeniyi said.

He added: “Nigerians with pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated by high-altitudes are strongly advised to exercise caution when planning journeys that involve transit through Addis Ababa.”

Mr Adeniyi directed intending travellers with underlying medical conditions to seek medical advice before embarking on such journeys.