Supreme Court Bans 'Barrister' Title in Official Use

Senior Advocates of Nigeria have expressed unanimous support for the Supreme Court's directive prohibiting lawyers from using the title 'Barrister' as a prefix in official communications. This directive, issued on July 13, 2026, by Chief Registrar Kabir E.

Akanbi under the instruction of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, mandates that all legal practitioners, court registrars, and litigation staff cease using 'Barrister' in official documents and communications immediately. The directive emphasizes that the title is inappropriate and inconsistent with professional standards expected within the Supreme Court.

Prof Sam Erugo (SAN) stated that the directive merely formalizes a long-standing position in the legal profession, noting that 'Barrister' has never been a professional title in Nigeria. He explained that Nigerian lawyers are called to the Bar as "Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria," which reflects their qualifications rather than a title.

The directive aims to address a minority of practitioners who continue to misuse the title.