The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and litigation staff to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular stated that the directive takes immediate effect and is aimed at upholding the highest standards of professionalism within the apex court.
According to the memorandum, “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 further instructed all affected officers to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements with immediate effect.
To ensure full compliance, the Chief Justice directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to enforce the directive among officers under their supervision.
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 being formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such actions undermine the dignity of the legal profession and cautioned that offenders could face disciplinary measures. It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for duly qualified legal practitioners.
