The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was communicated in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Directive Takes Immediate Effect
According to the circular, the directive applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and all lawyers conducting official business with the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice stated that the continued use of “Barrister” as a prefix is inappropriate and inconsistent with the level of professionalism expected at Nigeria’s apex 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 memo stated.
Lawyers Ordered to Stop Using Title
Under the new directive, lawyers are required to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials and every other form of official engagement involving the Supreme Court.
The memo also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure full compliance with the directive among officers under their supervision.
“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 circular added.
Move Aimed at Strengthening Professional Standards
The directive is one of the latest administrative measures introduced under the leadership of Justice Kekere-Ekun and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining professionalism in official court communications.
In Nigeria, lawyers are enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court after being called to the Nigerian Bar.
While many legal practitioners voluntarily use the title “Barrister” in public and professional engagements, it is regarded as part of their professional qualification rather than a mandatory official designation.
The new policy is expected to standardise official documentation and promote uniformity in communications involving Nigeria’s highest court.
