The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official dealings connected with the Supreme Court.
The directive was contained in an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and circulated to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and other legal officers working with the apex court.
The circular, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, stated that the Chief Justice considered the continued use of the title incompatible with the level of professionalism expected within the country’s highest 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 reads.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun directed that the title should no longer appear on official correspondence, court records, documents, identity cards or any other materials used in official engagements.
The directive takes immediate effect and applies to all officers and legal practitioners conducting official business with the Supreme Court.
“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 memo added.
The Chief Justice also instructed heads of departments and unit leaders to ensure full compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
The move is aimed at reinforcing professional standards and ensuring uniformity in official documentation and communication within the Supreme Court.