Abuja, Nigeria — The Supreme Court has introduced a new administrative directive requiring lawyers and court officials to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” in all official engagements with the apex court.
The directive was issued by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as part of efforts to promote professionalism and establish a uniform standard for official records and correspondence handled by the Supreme Court.
According to the directive, the change takes immediate effect and applies to legal practitioners, litigation officers, court registrars and other personnel who interact with the Supreme Court in an official capacity.
Move Aimed at Standardising Official Records
The decision was conveyed in a circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The circular explained that the use of “Barrister” as a title before a lawyer’s name should no longer appear on documents submitted to or issued by the Supreme Court. This includes official correspondence, court records, identification materials and other administrative documents.
“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 circular stated.
What the Directive Means
The new policy is expected to affect legal practitioners and court officials who have traditionally included the title in documents relating to proceedings at the Supreme Court.
The move is part of the judiciary’s broader effort to ensure consistency in official documentation and reinforce professional standards within Nigeria’s highest court.
Although the directive changes how lawyers are identified in official Supreme Court records, it does not affect their legal qualifications or their status as members of the legal profession. Rather, it establishes a uniform format for official documentation handled by the apex court.
The Supreme Court has indicated that all affected officers and legal practitioners are expected to comply with the directive with immediate effect.
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