Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, directs lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court. Multiple outlets report that the directive takes immediate effect and is issued through a memorandum dated July 13, 2026. The order is addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and other relevant officers.
The Chief Justice describes the practice of using “Barrister” in official documents as inappropriate and unprofessional, and the memo instructs affected personnel to discontinue the title in correspondence, records, identity materials, and other official documentation. The directive also calls on heads of departments and unit supervisors across court tiers to ensure strict compliance.
One outlet adds context that the move follows prior warnings by the Council of Legal Education, which cautioned prospective lawyers against presenting themselves as qualified practitioners before being formally called to the Bar and against wearing wigs and gowns. The reports agree that the Supreme Court directive is aimed at standardising documentation and reinforcing professionalism.
