The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), 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. The circular, which takes immediate effect, was issued to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers working with or appearing before the apex court.
According to the memorandum, the measure is aimed at upholding the standards of professionalism expected within Nigeria’s highest court.
Directive takes immediate effect
The circular stated that the use of the title “Barrister” before names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.
It directed all affected officers and legal practitioners to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements connected with the court.
The memorandum stressed that compliance with the directive is mandatory and takes immediate effect.
Heads of departments to enforce compliance
To ensure full implementation of the directive, the Chief Justice instructed heads of departments and unit heads within the Supreme Court to enforce compliance among officers under their supervision.
The memorandum charged supervisors to ensure that all official records, correspondence and related materials conform to the new directive.
The move forms part of efforts to strengthen professionalism and maintain institutional standards within the nation’s apex court.
Judiciary emphasises professionalism
The directive underscores the judiciary’s commitment to promoting uniformity and professionalism in official communication and court administration.
By discontinuing the use of the title “Barrister” in official engagements, the Supreme Court seeks to ensure that professional designations used within the institution remain consistent with established judicial standards.
Legal practitioners and court personnel are expected to comply fully with the directive in all future official dealings.
Directive follows legal education warning
The development comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession and could attract disciplinary measures against offenders.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and remains the exclusive preserve of duly qualified legal practitioners who have been called to the Nigerian Bar.