The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official engagements 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.
Applies to Lawyers, Court Officials
According to the memo, the instruction applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and other lawyers handling official business with the apex court.
The Chief Justice said the continued use of “Barrister” as a prefix does not reflect the level of professionalism expected in the Supreme Court.
“I am directed by the Honourable 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.
Immediate Compliance Ordered
The circular directed all affected officers to stop using the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials and every other official engagement with the Supreme Court.
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Heads of departments and unit heads were also instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
“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.
Move Aimed at Standardising Official Practice
The directive is one of the administrative measures introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership of the judiciary to strengthen professionalism in official court communications.
Although Nigerian lawyers are called to the Bar and enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court, the designation forms part of their professional qualification and is not a compulsory official title.
While many lawyers use the prefix in correspondence and public engagements, others identify themselves using only their names alongside professional or academic qualifications such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), PhD, and other recognised distinctions.
The new directive is expected to standardise official documentation and ensure uniform practice in all interactions with the Supreme Court.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.