The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed legal practitioners and court officials to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister“ as a prefix to their names in all official communications and engagements with the apex court.
The directive was issued by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism and maintain uniform standards within the country’s highest court.
The instruction was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. The circular was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers, stating that the directive takes immediate effect.
According to the memorandum, the use of “Barrister” before a lawyer’s name is considered inappropriate for official Supreme Court correspondence and does not align with the level of professional standards expected within the institution.
As a result, all affected officers and legal practitioners have been instructed to immediately stop using the title in official letters, court records, legal documents, identity materials, and every other form of official engagement connected to the Supreme Court.
To ensure full compliance, the Chief Justice also directed heads of departments and unit leaders within the court system to monitor and enforce the implementation of the new policy among officers under their supervision.
The move reflects the judiciary’s continued emphasis on professionalism, consistency, and proper official representation within Nigeria’s legal system.
The latest directive comes only weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing legal wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being formally called to the Nigerian Bar. The council described such actions as contrary to the ethics and dignity of the legal profession and cautioned that individuals found violating the rules could face disciplinary action.
It also reiterated that the use of legal regalia is strictly regulated under the Rules of Professional Conduct and remains a privilege reserved exclusively for lawyers who have been duly called to the Bar.
The Supreme Court’s new directive further reinforces ongoing efforts by legal authorities to uphold ethical standards, preserve the integrity of the profession, and ensure that official practices within Nigeria’s judiciary reflect the highest level of professionalism.
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