, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has banned lawyers, court officials and litigation staff from using the){kind=link}
In a sweeping move aimed at reinforcing professionalism within Nigeria’s judiciary, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has banned lawyers, court officials and litigation staff from using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was contained in an official memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and circulated to legal practitioners, court registrars, litigation staff and other judicial officers across the apex court.
Signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the memo said the continued use of the title is incompatible with the professional standards expected within the nation’s highest court.
According to the directive, the CJN described the practice as “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
The order mandates all affected personnel to immediately remove the “Barrister” prefix from official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity cards and every other official material connected with the Supreme Court.
The memo also places responsibility on heads of departments and unit heads to ensure full compliance by officers under their supervision.
“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 memorandum stated.
It further directed: “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 development marks a significant shift in official judicial protocol and is expected to reshape how lawyers identify themselves in formal interactions with the Supreme Court. The directive is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the leadership of the judiciary to strengthen institutional discipline, standardise official practices and uphold the dignity of the legal profession.
While the order applies specifically to official engagements within the Supreme Court, it has already sparked discussions across the legal community over the long-standing tradition of using the title “Barrister” as a professional prefix.
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