CJN directs lawyers to stop using ‘Barrister’ as title
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements within the Supreme Court.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. It was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
According to the memo, the CJN described the use of the title “Barrister” before names as inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the apex court.
She directed all affected officers to discontinue the practice with immediate effect in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements.
The memorandum also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
