The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners 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 addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
According to the memo, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the CJN described the use of the title as inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.
The directive requires all affected officers to stop using the title “Barrister” in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements with immediate effect.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
The memo stated that the move is aimed at promoting professionalism and maintaining uniform standards in official communications and activities within the nation’s apex court.