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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has prohibited the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to names in all official activities and correspondence at the Supreme Court, directing lawyers and court personnel to comply with the new rule immediately.
The directive was issued through a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, and circulated to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and other lawyers working with the apex court.
According to the circular, the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reinforce professionalism and maintain the standards expected within Nigeria’s highest court.
The memo stated that the Chief Justice considered the use of “Barrister” before names inappropriate in official communications.
“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 circular read.
It directed all affected officers to immediately discontinue the practice in official correspondence, records, identity materials and every other document connected with the court.
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“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.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also tasked heads of departments and unit heads with ensuring strict implementation of the directive across the various departments of the Supreme Court.
“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 move comes shortly after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing legal wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified practitioners before being formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council had said such actions diminish the integrity of the legal profession and warned that offenders risk disciplinary action, stressing that legal regalia may only be worn by lawyers who have been duly called to the Bar in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
