Supreme Court Bars Lawyers from Using ‘Barrister’ as Prefix in Official Correspondence

Newslens NG reports that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed lawyers, court registrars, litigation staff and other legal practitioners to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official correspondence and engagements with the apex court.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

According to the memorandum, the continued use of the title “Barrister” before names is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.

The circular directed all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements with the Supreme Court. It also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

The decision has generated widespread reactions within Nigeria’s legal community, with many describing it as a significant administrative step aimed at reinforcing professionalism and standardising official communications within the nation’s highest court.

However, legal observers have clarified that the directive does not amount to a nationwide prohibition on the use of the title “Barrister.” Rather, it is an internal administrative policy that applies specifically to official dealings with the Supreme Court and does not prevent legal practitioners from identifying themselves as barristers in academic, professional or general contexts outside the apex court.

The new policy is expected to reshape the format of official legal correspondence before the Supreme Court while reinforcing the court’s emphasis on professionalism and institutional standards.