Mirian Gom 
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
ABUJA, Nigeria – Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has directed lawyers, court officials and litigation staff to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court, describing the practice as inconsistent with the court’s professional standards.
The directive, which took immediate effect, was conveyed in a memorandum dated 13 July 2026 and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. The circular was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers working with or appearing before the apex court.
According to the memorandum, the order forms part of efforts to strengthen professionalism and maintain uniform standards in official communication within Nigeria’s highest court.
“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,” the memo stated.
The directive requires all affected personnel to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, identity materials and every other formal engagement connected with 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 circular added.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the new directive across all units of the court.
“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” the memorandum said.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 
Hussaini Ibrahim