Supreme Court stops lawyers from using Barrister as title
The Nigerian Supreme Court has barred all Nigerian lawyers, court registrars, and other officials from continued use of ‘Barrister’ as a title in their dealings with the apex court. This is likely to apply to all courts where lawyers practise in the country.
In a memo dated 13th July, 2026, thevChief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, directed compliance with this new policy. The decision, made at the direction of Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, applies to all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers engaged in official business with the apex court.
The Chief Justice ruled that using “Barrister” as a prefix is inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the nation’s highest court.
What the Directive Says
The memo stated: “I am directed by the Honourable the 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 and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
Effective immediately, lawyers must discontinue the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials, and all other official engagements with the Supreme Court. Department heads are responsible for ensuring compliance among their staff.
Context
In Nigerian legal practice, “Barrister” traditionally describes lawyers qualified to appear before superior courts. Lawyers are enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court after being called to the Bar—a professional designation rather than a compulsory official title.
Many legal practitioners voluntarily adopt the prefix in correspondence and public engagements, while others use only their names alongside professional or academic qualifications such as SAN, PhD, or other recognised distinctions.
Expected Impact
The directive aims to standardise official documentation within the Supreme Court and ensure uniform compliance by lawyers and court personnel. It represents one of several administrative measures introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership and underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on professional conduct in official communications.
Expected Impact
The directive aims to standardise official documentation within the Supreme Court and ensure uniform compliance by lawyers and court personnel. It represents one of several administrative measures introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership and underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on professional conduct in official communications.
