CJN Enforces New Rule, Bans 'Barrister' Prefix in Official Court Communications


 

By Abdulahi Musa 


The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.


The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, and made public on Friday.


According to the circular, the use of the title "Barrister" before names is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the level of professionalism expected within Nigeria's apex court.


The memo, addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers, stated:


"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 directive further ordered all affected persons to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and all other official engagements with the Supreme Court.


It added: "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."


To ensure strict compliance, the Chief Justice instructed supervisory officers to monitor implementation of the directive and ensure that all affected personnel adhere to the new standard.


The move is part of efforts by the Supreme Court to strengthen professionalism, promote uniformity in official communications, and uphold the institutional standards of Nigeria's highest court. 

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