By Ghazali Ibrahim
A new directive from the Supreme Court of Nigeria telling lawyers to stop using “Barrister” as a prefix to their names has set off heated reactions across the legal community, with many calling it long overdue while others say it erases identity.
The memorandum, dated 13th July, 2026 and signed by the Chief Registrar, Kabir E. Akanbi, Esq., was addressed to all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers.
According to the memo, the directive came “by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria.” It states that the use of “Barrister” before names is “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
The court ordered immediate discontinuation of the title in “all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements.”
The memo quickly circulated on WhatsApp groups and legal forums, triggering mixed reactions.
Many young lawyers welcomed the move.
“Finally. We’ve been copying the UK too much. In Nigeria, once you’re called to Bar you’re a Barrister and Solicitor. The ‘Barr.’ prefix is redundant,” Chinedu Okoro posted on X.
Another wrote: “Professionalism over pride. The Supreme Court is right. Just put Esq. and do the work.”
But not everyone is happy. Netizens said the title carries cultural weight.
“This is how clients identify us. ‘Barrister’ commands respect in court and in the community. Removing it feels like stripping identity,” Tunde Martins, a Lagos-based lawyer posted on X.
On Facebook, the debate got sharper. Some argued the court should focus on “delay in justice delivery and poor court facilities instead of titles.”
Others defended it as a step toward aligning Nigerian legal practice with global standards where “Esq.” or no prefix is the norm.
Court registrars will have to begin updating templates and name tags to reflect the directive.
The Supreme Court’s position aligns with the court of appeal decision in NBA Vs Ofomata (2017) and the Legal Practitioners Act, which recognizes lawyers as “Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
However, the title “Barrister” as a prefix is not a statutory designation. The court appears to be pushing for uniformity and a more formal professional standard in its filings.
As of press time, the Nigerian Bar Association had not issued an official statement on the memo.
