The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed lawyers, litigation staff, court registrars and other legal practitioners to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official communications and engagements.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, Esq.
According to the memo, the directive was issued on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who stated that using “Barrister” as a title before names is inappropriate and does not align with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The memorandum further directed that the title should no longer appear before the names of officers in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements, with immediate effect.
It also tasked Heads of Departments and Unit Heads with ensuring full compliance by officers under their supervision.
The Supreme Court said the directive is aimed at promoting professionalism and uniformity in official practice across the nation’s apex court.