Supreme Court Orders Lawyers to Stop Using ‘Barrister’ as Name Prefix

Lawyers in Nigeria must now refrain from using the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names in official dealings at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court issued a directive mandating this change, citing inconsistency with the court's professional standards.

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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 order, contained in an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, was directed to all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, initiated the directive.

The memorandum explicitly states that the use of "Barrister" before names is inappropriate and does not align with the professionalism expected within the nation's apex court. Consequently, all concerned individuals are instructed to cease using the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements, effective immediately.

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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

To ensure strict adherence, the memo also advised Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to oversee compliance among their subordinates. Supervisory officers are tasked with enforcing the directive to guarantee full implementation across the court.

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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.