Supreme Court Prohibits Use of ‘Barrister’ As Prefix In Official Correspondence

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements within the apex court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, Esq., on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

According to the memorandum, the use of the title “Barrister” before names is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected at the Supreme Court.

“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,” the memo read.

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It further directed all affected officers to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and every other official engagement.

“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 memorandum added.

The circular also instructed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.

The memorandum concluded by urging all affected personnel to be guided accordingly, making the directive effective immediately.