The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ordered all litigation personnel, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers affiliated to the supreme court to stop the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements.
It was a direction contained in an internal document issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, Esq., by command of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on July 13, 2026.
In a note addressing litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the memo said the usage of the title “Barrister” before names is improper and inconsistent with the norms of professionalism anticipated within the Supreme Court.
MEMORANDUM FROM THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA TO ALL LITIGATION STAFF, LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, COURT REGISTRARS AND LAWYERS ON THE USE OF THE TITLE ‘BARRISTER’ AS A PREFIX TO NAMES 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 decision directed all impacted officers to cease immediately the use of the title in official communication, records, papers, identity materials, and other official engagements related to the Supreme Court.
He also directed the Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure strict adherence to the direction by all workers under their charge.
The memo, however, did not say why the regulation existed other than to maintain professionalism in the nation’s highest court.
The development has raised questions in the legal circles where the term “Barrister” is often used by legal practitioners after being called to the Nigerian Bar.
Although the decision relates to official communications and engagements within the Supreme Court, legal watchers say it could impact larger conversations on professional titles and courtroom decorum across Nigeria’s judiciary.
The memorandum shall come into force immediately on the date of its issue.
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