The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at strengthening professionalism and maintaining the highest standards of practice within Nigeria’s apex court.
The order was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. It was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers operating within the court.
According to the circular, the use of “Barrister” before names is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the Supreme Court.
“I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the memorandum stated.
The Chief Justice further ordered that the title should no longer appear in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials or any other official engagements involving the Supreme Court.
“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect,” the memo added.
To ensure strict implementation of the directive, heads of departments and unit heads have been directed to monitor compliance among officers under their supervision.
“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” the circular stated.
The latest directive comes amid ongoing efforts by legal regulatory authorities to preserve the dignity and ethics of the legal profession.
Only recently, the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council maintained that legal regalia are reserved exclusively for duly qualified lawyers in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, warning that violators could face disciplinary action.
The Supreme Court’s latest directive is expected to reinforce professional etiquette and ensure uniformity in official communications within Nigeria’s highest court.
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