The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements connected with the Supreme Court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.

Signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the memo stated that the CJN considers the use of the title inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the nation’s apex court.

According to the directive, all affected officers are to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements with immediate effect.

The memo also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by all officers under their supervision.

The move is aimed at promoting uniformity and maintaining professional standards in official communications and proceedings of the Supreme Court.