NLS Rejects CJN's Directive on 'Barrister' Title Use

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has rejected a directive from Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, which instructed lawyers to cease using "Barrister" as a title and instead use "Esquire." This directive was communicated in a memo dated July 13, 2026, signed by Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi, aimed at enhancing professional standards at the Supreme Court. Dr. Tonye Jaja, Executive Director of the NLS, stated that the Legal Practitioners Act of 1962 recognizes "Barrister" and "Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria" as valid titles for lawyers.

Jaja emphasized that while "Barrister" alone does not fully represent the professional title, "Esquire" is also not explicitly mentioned in the Act. He argued that neither the Chief Justice, the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, nor the Nigerian Bar Association has the authority to impose requirements not contained in the Act.

The NLS also criticized the inconsistent treatment of the Senior Counsel of Nigeria title, asserting that the lack of explicit mention in the Act does not invalidate other professional titles.