The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements with the apex court.
The directive is contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the memorandum, the Chief Registrar said he was acting on the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who considers the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to names inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.
“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 memorandum stated.
The directive applies to all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers appearing before or conducting official business with the Supreme Court.
The Chief Registrar also directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
