CJN bars Nigerian lawyers from using ‘Barrister’ title

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court registrars and litigation staff to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court, declaring the practice inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the apex court.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in a circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

According to the circular, the order applies to all legal practitioners, litigation staff, court registrars and lawyers engaged in official business with the Supreme 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.

Under the new directive, lawyers are required to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials and every other official engagement with the apex court.

The circular also directed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the instruction across their respective units.

“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 memo said

Although every lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar is enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the designation forms part of the legal qualification rather than a mandatory official title.