The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other personnel to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was communicated through a memorandum dated July 13, 2026.
The circular was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, and distributed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
Directive aims to strengthen professionalism
According to the memorandum, the decision was made to reinforce professionalism and maintain the standards expected within Nigeria’s highest court.
The circular stated that the title “Barrister” should no longer be used as a prefix in any official capacity because it does not align with the professional standards of the Supreme Court.
“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 memo read.
The directive further instructed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and every other official engagement.
“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 memorandum stated.
Departmental heads ordered to enforce compliance
To ensure full implementation of the directive, the Chief Justice ordered heads of departments and unit heads to ensure that officers under their supervision comply without exception.
“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 memo added.
The development comes shortly 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 stressed that such actions diminish the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reiterated that legal regalia is reserved exclusively for duly qualified legal practitioners in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
