… as Supreme Court adopts new naming protocol
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has directed lawyers and court officials to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive, contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, takes immediate effect.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the move is aimed at reinforcing professionalism and maintaining uniform standards in the operations of the apex court.
According to the memorandum, the use of the title “Barrister” as a name prefix is considered inconsistent with the professional standards expected within the Supreme Court.
“As a result, all officers concerned are directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements with immediate effect,” the circular stated.
The directive also instructs heads of departments and unit heads to ensure full compliance by officers under their supervision.
The development comes amid broader efforts by legal institutions to strengthen professional ethics and standards within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Earlier, the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing legal wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such actions undermine the integrity of the profession and could attract disciplinary sanctions, noting that the use of legal regalia is reserved exclusively for lawyers who have been duly called to the Bar under the Rules of Professional Conduct.
