- CJN banned the use of “Barrister” in Supreme Court documents
- The directive takes immediate effect nationwide
- Department heads must ensure full compliance
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official dealings at the Supreme Court.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The circular, addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, stated that the order takes immediate effect as part of efforts to maintain professionalism within the nation’s highest court.
According to the memo, the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix is considered inappropriate and does not align with the professional standards expected in the Supreme Court.
It therefore instructed all affected personnel to stop using the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and every other form of official engagement.
The memorandum also directed heads of departments and unit leaders to ensure strict compliance with the new directive by all officers under their supervision.
The move follows a recent warning by the Council of Legal Education to aspiring lawyers against wearing legal wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council had said such actions diminish the integrity of the legal profession and warned that anyone found violating the rules could face disciplinary action.
It also reiterated that the use of legal regalia is regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for lawyers who have been duly called to the Bar.
