The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has banned lawyers and court officials from using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The ban was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers, the circular mentioned in explicit terms that the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honorable 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.”
It also directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “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 full compliance with the directive, the Chief Justice also directed supervisory officers to enforce compliance.
The memorandum added, “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.”
The directive comes only weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective attorneys against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as competent legal practitioners before being legally admitted to the Nigerian Bar.
The council stated that such conduct harmed the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators would face disciplinary action.
It further reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is restricted by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is limited to fully trained legal professionals.
