The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and litigation staff 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 conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the circular, the Chief Justice ruled that the continued use of the title is inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards 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.
Under the new directive, lawyers are 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 strict compliance 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.
The directive is one of the latest administrative reforms introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership of the judiciary and is aimed at strengthening professionalism and uniformity in official court communications.
Although Nigerian lawyers are enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria after being called to the Bar, the title “Barrister” is regarded as part of their professional qualification rather than a compulsory official prefix.
While many lawyers voluntarily use the title in correspondence and public engagements, others simply identify themselves by name alongside recognised professional or academic distinctions such as SAN, PhD and other qualifications.
The new directive is expected to standardise official documentation and interactions with the Supreme Court by ensuring uniform compliance among legal practitioners and court personnel.
