CJN Orders Lawyers to Stop Using ‘Barrister’ in Supreme Court Dealings

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners, litigation staff and court registrars to stop using “Barrister” as a prefix in official dealings with the Supreme Court. A circular dated July 13, 2026, says the title is inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the apex court. The directive takes immediate effect. Lawyers and relevant court personnel must remove the prefix from official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials and other engagements with the Supreme Court. Departmental and unit heads have also been instructed to enforce compliance. While every lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar is enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court, the court noted that “Barrister” is a legal qualification, not a mandatory official prefix.

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