The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements.
The directive is contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the memorandum, the Chief Registrar said he was directed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to notify all concerned that the use of “Barrister” as a prefix to names is considered 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 dealing with the Supreme Court.
The Chief Registrar further directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure strict compliance by officers under their supervision.