The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners and court officials to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements.
The move is aimed at promoting uniformity and professionalism in official communications and documentation within the nation’s judicial system.
The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the memo, the use of the title “Barrister” before names is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.
The directive applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers engaged in official activities with the apex court.
The CJN ordered that the title should no longer appear in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements with immediate effect.
She also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by all officers under their supervision.
The memorandum stated that all affected officers are expected to comply immediately with the new directive, marking a change in the official naming convention for legal practitioners in dealings with the Supreme Court.