The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, has ordered lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive, contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi, took immediate effect.
It was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, registrars, and lawyers, stressing that the practice is “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
The memo instructed all affected officers to discontinue the use of “Barrister” in correspondence, records, identity materials, and other official documents.
Department heads and unit supervisors were tasked with enforcing strict compliance.This move follows recent warnings by the Council of Legal Education, which cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified practitioners before being formally called to the Bar.
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