The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, Punch reports.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum reads, “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.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “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.”
To ensure full implementation of the directive, the Chief Justice also directed supervisory officers to enforce compliance.
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.
ALSO READ: From The Supreme Court To The NBA: Meet The Four Women Leading Nigeria’s Top Legal Institutions