The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court registrars and litigation staff to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court, describing the practice as inconsistent with the professionalism expected at Nigeria’s apex court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in a circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the circular, the order applies to all legal practitioners, litigation staff, court registrars and lawyers conducting official business with 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 circular stated.
The CJN directed that the title must no longer appear in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials or any other official engagement with the apex court.
Heads of departments and unit heads were also instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive across their respective offices.
“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 circular added.
Although every lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar is enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the designation forms part of the legal qualification and is not a mandatory official title for use in court-related documentation.
