The Supreme Court has directed lawyers, court registrars and litigation staff to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official correspondence and engagements with the apex court.
The directive was issued by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and contained in an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026. The memo was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi.
The memorandum, titled “Prohibition of the Use of the Title Barrister as a Prefix to Names,” was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
According to the memo, the use of “Barrister” as a prefix is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the Supreme Court.
“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,” the memo stated.
The court directed all affected personnel to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements with the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice also directed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by all officers under their supervision.
“Please be guided accordingly,” the memorandum added.
The directive is specifically limited to official dealings with the Supreme Court and is aimed at promoting uniformity and professionalism in the court’s records and communications.
Although Nigerian lawyers are formally called to the Bar and are commonly referred to as “Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the apex court has now directed that “Barrister” should no longer be used as a prefix to names in its official processes.
