Nigerian Lawyers Banned From Using ‘BARRISTER’ Title With Names
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a directive barring lawyers nationwide from using the term BARRISTER as a prefix to their names.
Announcing the new rule on 13th July 2026 via a letter to all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars and Lawyers, the CJN described the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to names as inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The full letter signed by the Chief Registrar at the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, titled: PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF THE TITLE “BARRISTER” AS A PREFIX TO NAMES, reads:
“I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that 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.
“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.
“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision.
“Please be guided accordingly.”
