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Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Supreme Court’s Chief Registrar, Kabir Akanbi.
The circular, addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, took immediate effect and cited the need to maintain professional standards at the apex court.
According to the memorandum, the use of “Barrister” before a person’s name is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the Supreme Court.
Those affected were directed to remove the title from official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements.
“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,” it read.
“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,” it added.
Departmental and unit heads were also instructed to ensure that officers under their supervision comply with the directive.
“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 move comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before their formal call to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession and could attract disciplinary action.
It also reminded candidates that legal regalia is regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct and reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.
