- The Chief Justice of Nigeria has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
- The directive, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at reinforcing professionalism and ensuring compliance with the standards expected within Nigeria’s highest court.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other personnel to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. The circular was distributed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
According to the memorandum, the decision is aimed at strengthening professionalism and upholding the standards expected within Nigeria’s apex court.
The circular stated that the title “Barrister” should no longer be used as a prefix in any official capacity because it is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards of the Supreme Court.
The memo reads: “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.”
It further directed that all affected officers should immediately stop using the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and every other official engagement.
“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 Chief Justice also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
