The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed all lawyers and court officials to immediately discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” before their names in every official engagement with the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism, promote uniformity, and standardise official documentation at the nation’s highest court.
Under the new policy, the directive applies to legal practitioners, litigation staff, court registrars, and all lawyers conducting official business with the Supreme Court.
The decision was communicated in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the circular, the Chief Justice maintained that the continued use of “Barrister” as a prefix does not align with the level of professionalism and institutional standards the Supreme Court seeks to uphold in its official processes.
The memorandum therefore instructed all affected officers to immediately remove the title from official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials, and every other form of official engagement with the apex court.
The directive is expected to usher in a uniform standard for official documentation within the Supreme Court and reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to professionalism in the conduct of its administrative and legal affairs.
