The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and legal personnel to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official engagements with the Supreme Court, describing the practice as inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the nation’s apex court.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, marks a significant shift in the court’s administrative protocol and is aimed at promoting uniformity and professionalism in official communications and documentation.

The order was communicated through a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. The circular was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and all lawyers conducting official business with the Supreme Court.

According to the memo, Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed concern over the continued use of “Barrister” as a prefix, maintaining that the designation does not align with the standards of professional conduct the Supreme Court seeks to uphold.

“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 circular stated.

Under the new policy, legal practitioners and court personnel are required to remove the title from all official correspondence, court records, legal filings, identity materials and any other documents connected to Supreme Court activities.

The Chief Registrar further instructed heads of departments and unit leaders to ensure strict compliance with the directive among officers and staff 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.

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The latest move is one of the notable administrative reforms introduced since Justice Kekere-Ekun assumed leadership of the judiciary. It reflects the Supreme Court’s growing emphasis on professionalism, institutional standards and consistency in official communications.

Within the legal profession, the term “Barrister” traditionally refers to a lawyer qualified to appear before superior courts. In Nigeria, however, legal practitioners are formally enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court upon being called to the Bar, making the designation part of their professional qualification rather than a mandatory title for official use.

Over the years, many lawyers have routinely adopted the prefix in letters, documents and public engagements, while others have preferred to use their names alongside academic and professional distinctions such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), PhD and other recognised credentials.

Legal observers say the directive is likely to bring greater uniformity to Supreme Court records and official documentation, while reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to professional standards and institutional decorum.

With the order now in force, lawyers and court officials dealing with the Supreme Court are expected to comply fully, ushering in a new era of standardised official practice at Nigeria’s highest court.