The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed that the title “Barrister” should no longer be used as a prefix to names in official activities and documents handled by the Supreme Court.
The new directive, which takes immediate effect, applies to legal practitioners, court officials, registrars and litigation staff operating within the nation’s highest court.
The instruction was conveyed in an official circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The memo was distributed to litigation officers, court registrars, lawyers and other personnel, informing them that the use of “Barrister” before a person’s name does not align with the level of professionalism expected at the apex court.
According to the circular, the title should no longer appear in official correspondence, court records, administrative documents, identity materials or any other formal communication connected with the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court directed all affected officers to comply with the new policy without delay.
Departmental heads and unit supervisors have also been instructed to ensure the directive is fully implemented by staff under their supervision.
The court stressed that adherence to the instruction forms part of broader efforts to maintain uniform professional standards and preserve the dignity of judicial administration.
The latest directive comes amid renewed efforts by legal authorities to strengthen professional ethics and standards within Nigeria’s legal system.
Only recently, the Council of Legal Education warned law graduates awaiting their Call to the Bar against wearing lawyers’ wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before officially completing the admission process.
The council noted that legal attire is reserved strictly for lawyers who have been formally called to the Nigerian Bar, warning that anyone who violates the rule could face disciplinary action.
The Supreme Court’s decision signals a growing emphasis on formal professional practice within the judiciary, with officials seeking greater consistency in how legal practitioners identify themselves in official settings.
Under the new directive, lawyers appearing before or corresponding with the Supreme Court are expected to use only their names and recognized professional qualifications where applicable, without the “Barrister” prefix.
The instruction is now expected to guide all official documentation and engagements conducted within the Supreme Court going forward.
