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. It applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and other lawyers associated with the apex court.
The circular, which took immediate effect, stated that the use of the title was inconsistent with the professional standards expected within the Supreme Court.
The memo read, “I am directed by the Honourable 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 instructed affected officers to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements.
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“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 memorandum stated.
To ensure compliance, the Chief Justice directed heads of departments and unit heads to monitor implementation of the directive among officers under their supervision.
The memo 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.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before their formal call to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such actions undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that offenders could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct and reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.
PUNCH
