Nigeria's Chief Justice bans 'Barrister' title in Supreme Court

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, issued a memorandum on 13 July 2026, signed by Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi, directing all lawyers, litigation staff and court registrars to cease using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in any official Supreme Court matter. The circular orders the immediate removal of the prefix from correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements, deeming it inconsistent with the professionalism expected of the apex court. Department and unit heads are instructed to enforce strict compliance. The directive follows a recent warning from the Council of Legal Education about the misuse of legal regalia, reinforcing a broader push for higher professional standards within Nigeria’s legal system.