-
Chief Justice of Nigeria directs lawyers, litigation staff, court registrars, and other officials to immediately stop using “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all Supreme Court engagements.
-
New directive extends to official correspondence, court records, identity cards, documents, and every other official material used within the apex court.
-
Heads of Departments and Unit Heads have been mandated to enforce strict compliance with the order as part of efforts to strengthen professionalism and institutional standards.
-
Decision comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned aspiring lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being called to the Nigerian Bar.
July 31, (THEWILL) — The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered the immediate discontinuation of the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to the names of lawyers, court officials, and litigation staff in all official engagements at the Supreme Court, declaring the practice inconsistent with the professional standards expected at Nigeria’s apex court.
THEWILL reports that the directive was conveyed in an official memorandum signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Dated July 13, 2026, the circular was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers, with immediate effect.
According to the memorandum, the Chief Justice said the continued use of the title “Barrister” before names in official dealings was inappropriate and incompatible with the level of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.
“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 circular stated.
The directive further ordered all affected personnel to immediately remove the title from official correspondence, records, court documents, identity materials, and every other official engagement connected with the Supreme Court.
It read: “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.”
Supervisors Mandated to Ensure Compliance
To guarantee full implementation of the directive, the Chief Justice instructed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure strict compliance by officers under their supervision.
The memorandum stated: “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 barely weeks after the Council of Legal Education issued a strong warning to prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The Council said such conduct undermines the dignity and integrity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for duly qualified legal practitioners.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
