In what appears to be a surprise to the lay person, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners to henceforth stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements.
Hon Justice Kekere- Ekun who handed down the directive, conveyed in a memorandum addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers and dated July 13, 2026, signed by Kabir Akanbi, Chief Registrar described the practice as inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the apex court.
The CJN therefore directed all affected officers to discontinue the use of the title in official, records, correspondence, documents, identity materials and other official engagements with immediate effect.
She also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
“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.
“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 read.
