Nigeria’s Chief 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, describing the practice as inconsistent with professional standards.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
The memo, signed by Supreme Court Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi on behalf of the chief justice, said the title should no longer appear in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials or other official engagements.
“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 said.
It added that the directive takes immediate effect and requires all affected officers to discontinue the practice.
The chief justice also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure full compliance by personnel under their supervision.
The move is aimed at standardising official practice within Nigeria’s apex court and reinforcing professional conventions in judicial administration.
