The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has banned the use of the title “Barrister” before lawyers’ names in all official interactions with the Supreme Court, saying the practice does not align with the level of professionalism expected at the nation’s highest court.
The directive was contained in a circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. It takes effect immediately and applies to legal practitioners, court registrars, litigation staff and all lawyers handling official matters before the apex court.
The circular stated:
“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.”
Under the new rule, the title must no longer appear in official letters, legal filings, court records, identity materials or any other documents submitted to or used in dealings with the Supreme Court.
The memo further instructed heads of departments and unit leaders to ensure the directive is fully implemented across their offices.
It added:
“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 move is among the administrative reforms introduced by Justice Kekere-Ekun since becoming Chief Justice of Nigeria, with the aim of ensuring consistency and strengthening professional standards in the court’s official communications.
While every lawyer admitted to the Nigerian Bar qualifies as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the designation is regarded as a legal qualification rather than a compulsory title for official use. For years, many lawyers have used “Barrister” as a courtesy prefix, while others identify themselves using their names alongside recognised professional or academic distinctions such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), PhD and similar qualifications.
