CJN Directs Lawyers to Stop Using ‘Barrister’ Title in Supreme Court

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, has directed lawyers, court registrars and litigation staff to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in a circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

According to the circular, the use of the title “Barrister” before names is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected at the nation’s apex court.

The directive applies to all legal practitioners, litigation staff, court registrars and lawyers engaged in official business with the Supreme Court.

Under the new instruction, lawyers are required to stop using the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials and all other official engagements with the court.

The Chief Registrar also directed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive across their respective units.

While every lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar is enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the designation forms part of the legal qualification and is not regarded as a mandatory official title.