Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has issued a sweeping directive prohibiting all legal practitioners, court registrars, and litigation staff from using the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the apex court, describing the practice as "inappropriate" and inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the nation's highest judicial body. The order, contained in an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026, was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and takes immediate effect.
The directive, titled "Prohibition of the Use of the Title 'Barrister' as a Prefix to Names," was addressed to all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers. It explicitly states that the continued use of the title before names does not align with the level of professionalism the Supreme Court seeks to uphold in its official processes. "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 memorandum read.
Under the new directive, lawyers are expected to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials, and every other form of official engagement involving the Supreme Court. The circular further directed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure full implementation of the instruction among officers under their supervision. "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 added.
The development is one of the latest administrative measures introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun's leadership of the judiciary and underscores the emphasis being placed on professional conduct in official court communications. In legal practice, "Barrister" traditionally describes a lawyer qualified to appear before superior courts. However, Nigerian lawyers are enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court after being called to the Bar, and the designation forms part of their professional qualification rather than a compulsory official title.
While many legal practitioners voluntarily adopt the prefix in correspondence and public engagements, others simply use their names alongside professional or academic qualifications such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), PhD, or other recognised distinctions. The latest directive is expected to standardise official documentation within the Supreme Court and ensure uniform compliance by lawyers and court personnel in their interactions with the apex court.
The administrative directive applies specifically to official interactions with the Supreme Court and does not prohibit lawyers from describing themselves as barristers in academic, professional, or general contexts outside the apex court's official communications. The directive does not specify alternative titles, but lawyers are expected to use conventional titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or professional designations like SAN, PhD, or "Barrister-at-Law" where necessary.
The directive has been met with mixed reactions from the legal community. Some practitioners have welcomed the move as a step towards standardising professional titles and aligning with global best practices, while others have questioned the necessity of the ban, arguing that the title "Barrister" has long been a badge of honour and professional identity for Nigerian lawyers. The Supreme Court, however, has made it clear that the decision is final and that all officers concerned are to comply with immediate effect. The directive marks a significant shift in the professional etiquette of the Nigerian legal profession and is likely to have far-reaching implications for how lawyers present themselves in official and judicial settings.
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