The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names during all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the circular, the order takes immediate effect and applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers involved in Supreme Court proceedings.
The Supreme Court said the move is aimed at promoting professionalism and maintaining proper standards in official court activities.
The memo stated that using the title “Barrister” before names is inappropriate and does not align with the level of professionalism expected within Nigeria’s highest court.
It also directed all affected officers to stop using the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity cards, and every other official engagement with immediate effect.
The CJN further instructed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
The development comes just weeks after 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 said such actions diminish the integrity of the legal profession and warned that offenders could face disciplinary sanctions.
It also reiterated that legal regalia and the privileges of legal practice are reserved exclusively for lawyers who have been duly called to the Nigerian Bar.
