The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners and court officials to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to 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.
According to the circular addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the move is aimed at reinforcing the professional standards expected within Nigeria’s apex court.
The memorandum stated that the continued use of the title “Barrister” before names is inappropriate in official Supreme Court 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.
The directive requires all affected officers to immediately remove the title from official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and every other form of official engagement connected with the Supreme Court.
It further instructed all departments within the court to ensure strict compliance with the new policy.
“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 memorandum added.
The latest directive forms part of ongoing efforts by legal authorities to preserve the integrity and professional image of Nigeria’s 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 being formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council maintained that such actions diminish the dignity of the legal profession and cautioned that offenders could be subjected to disciplinary sanctions.
It also reiterated that the use of legal regalia is regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct and remains the exclusive preserve of lawyers who have been duly called to the Nigerian Bar.
