The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered lawyers and court officials at the Supreme Court to drop the title “Barrister” from their names in all official dealings.
The directive, which took immediate effect, was contained in a July 13, 2026 memorandum signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The circular was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, warning that the use of “Barrister” as a name prefix was inappropriate and did not meet the professional standards expected at the apex 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 memo stated.
The affected personnel have also been ordered to remove the title from official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements.
The memo further directed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure that officers under their supervision strictly comply with the order.
The latest directive comes amid renewed efforts to enforce professional standards within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Weeks earlier, the Council of Legal Education had warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or parading themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermines the dignity of the profession and warned that offenders could face disciplinary action.
It also stressed that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.
