The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The circular was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, stating that the decision was made to uphold professionalism and preserve the standards expected at Nigeria's highest court.
According to the memo, the title "Barrister" should no longer be used as a prefix in any official capacity because it is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards of 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 memorandum stated.
The directive also instructed all affected personnel to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and all other official engagements.
The Supreme Court said the new policy takes effect immediately and is aimed at reinforcing the highest level of professionalism within the nation's apex court.
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