The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title "Barrister" before their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court. The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.

The memo stated that the CJN considers the use of "Barrister" as a prefix inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court, directing all affected officers to discontinue its use in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements with immediate effect. Heads of departments and unit heads have been tasked with enforcing compliance among staff under their supervision.

The move follows recent warnings from the Council of Legal Education, which cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or otherwise presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being formally called to the Nigerian Bar, warning that such conduct undermines the dignity of the profession.