Isaac Samuel
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), is Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has directed lawyers, litigation staff, court registrars and other officials of the Supreme Court to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements.
The CJN described the practice as inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected at the apex court.
The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, Esq., and addressed to all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
The circular stated that the Chief Registrar issued the directive on the instruction of the CJN.
It read: “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 memorandum consequently ordered all affected officers to stop using the title before their names in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements with immediate effect.
It further 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 compliance, the apex court directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to enforce the new policy among officers under their supervision.
“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,” the memorandum added.
The development marks a significant shift in official protocol at Nigeria’s apex court, where legal practitioners have traditionally used the title “Barrister” before their names.
Under the new directive, lawyers and court officials are expected to use only their names or other professionally recognised designations, such as “Esq.” where appropriate, in official communications and documentation.
