CJN directs lawyers, registrars and litigation staff to stop using the prefix in all official engagements with immediate effect.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed legal practitioners, court registrars, litigation staff and lawyers to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements.
The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the memo, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, ordered that the title should no longer be used because it is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the nation’s apex court.
“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 memorandum stated.
The directive applies to all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers interacting with the Supreme Court.
The Chief Registrar also instructed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure full compliance with the directive by all officers under their supervision, signalling the immediate implementation of the new policy.