A major change has hit Nigeria’s legal profession after the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, ordered lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is expected to reshape how legal practitioners present themselves in official correspondence and documentation involving the nation’s apex court.
The decision was issued as part of efforts to strengthen professionalism, promote uniformity, and standardise official records within the Supreme Court.
According to the directive, the continued use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix does not reflect the professional standards the Supreme Court intends to maintain in its official processes.
The new rule affects legal practitioners, litigation officers, court registrars, and every lawyer conducting official business with the Supreme Court.
The directive was formally communicated through a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The circular stated that all affected persons must immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials, and every other engagement connected to the Supreme Court.
“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,” the memo read.
The development has already sparked conversations across Nigeria’s legal community, with many lawyers expected to adjust their official documents and professional profiles to comply with the new directive.
Legal analysts say the move reflects the judiciary’s desire to reinforce professionalism and maintain a consistent standard in official communications at the country’s highest court.
As the directive takes immediate effect, attention will now shift to how quickly legal practitioners and court officials across Nigeria comply with the new requirement and whether similar measures could eventually extend beyond the Supreme Court.
#CJN #JusticeKudiratKekereEkun #SupremeCourt #Barrister #Lawyers #NigerianJudiciary #BreakingNews #LegalProfession #NigeriaNews #TrendingNow
