The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court.The directive, which takes immediate effect, was contained in a circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.According to the circular, the instruction applies to legal practitioners, litigation staff, court registrars and lawyers involved in official business with the apex court. It stated that the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.The directive requires lawyers to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials and all other official engagements with the court.It also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the new policy across their respective units.While every lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar is enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the circular noted that the designation is part of a lawyer’s professional qualification and not a mandatory official title.
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