The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered legal practitioners to stop using the prefix “Barrister” before their names in all official engagements.
In a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the CJN said the practice is “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
The directive was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers.
“I am directed by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate,” the memo stated.
The CJN directed that the title be discontinued immediately in all official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials, and other official engagements.
Heads of departments and units were also instructed to ensure strict compliance among officers under their supervision.
“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 memo added.