The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other personnel to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
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The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
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Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular stated that the new directive takes immediate effect as part of efforts to maintain professional standards at Nigeria’s apex court.
According to the memorandum, the use of the title “Barrister” before names is considered inappropriate and does not align with the level of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.
The circular directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and every other form of official communication connected to the Supreme Court.
To ensure full compliance, the Chief Justice instructed heads of departments and unit heads to enforce the directive among officers under their supervision.
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The memorandum made it clear that all officials are expected to comply with the new rule without delay.
The latest directive comes a few weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing legal wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such actions diminish the integrity of the legal profession and cautioned that anyone who violates the rule could face disciplinary action.
It also reminded aspiring lawyers that the use of legal regalia is regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for individuals who have been officially admitted to the Nigerian Bar.
The new directive by the Chief Justice is expected to guide how legal practitioners and court officials present themselves in all official activities at the Supreme Court.
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