Supreme Court Prohibits Use of 'Barrister' as Official Title in Correspondence
By Poet of Afrique Reporter
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has prohibited legal practitioners, litigation staff, court registrars, and lawyers from using the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names in all official correspondence and engagements with the apex court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, Esq., acting on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The circular, titled "Prohibition of the Use of the Title 'Barrister' as a Prefix to Names," was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers. It stated that the practice is inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court.
According to the memorandum, the use of the title "Barrister" before a person's name in official communications with the court is considered inappropriate and should henceforth be discontinued.
The circular 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."
The apex court directed that the policy be implemented with immediate effect and strictly observed in all official correspondence, filings, and engagements involving the Supreme Court.
The directive is expected to strengthen professionalism, promote uniformity in official communications, and reinforce compliance with established judicial standards at Nigeria's highest court.

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