Chief Justice Bans Use of ‘Barrister’ Prefix in Supreme Court Proceedings

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers appearing before the Supreme Court to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix before their names in court processes and official filings.

The directive is aimed at ensuring uniformity in legal practice and compliance with established professional standards at Nigeria’s apex court. It means that legal practitioners should identify themselves by their names without the “Barrister” prefix in documents filed before the Supreme Court.

The development aligns with recent guidance from the Body of Benchers, which clarified that “Barrister” is not a professional title to be used as a prefix before a lawyer’s name.

During the 2026 Call to the Bar ceremonies, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Albert Akpomudje, reminded newly admitted lawyers that the designation “Barrister” should not precede their names, describing the practice as improper.

Legal observers say the latest directive forms part of broader efforts by the leadership of the judiciary to strengthen professionalism and preserve the traditions of the legal profession.

The CJN has repeatedly emphasised the need for lawyers and the Bench to uphold high ethical standards and support ongoing judicial reforms aimed at improving the administration of justice.

Under the new practice, lawyers filing cases or appearing before the Supreme Court are expected to use their names without attaching “Barrister” as a title.

The directive does not affect a lawyer’s status as a legal practitioner but rather standardises how legal practitioners are identified in official court documents and proceedings.

The move is expected to guide future filings before the Supreme Court and may influence practice directions in other courts across the country.