Supreme Court Halts Use Of ‘Barrister’ As Prefix In Official Correspondence

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers to immediately discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the apex court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

According to the memorandum, the use of the title “Barrister” before a person’s name is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within 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.

The directive requires all affected officers to stop using the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and any other official engagements with immediate effect.

The memorandum further instructed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure strict compliance by all personnel under their supervision.

The Chief Registrar emphasized that the directive takes immediate effect and urged all concerned to be guided accordingly.

Legal practitioners appearing before the Supreme Court, as well as court staff, are therefore expected to comply with the new directive in all future official communications and documentation.