By Our Correspondent
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has introduced a significant change in the nation’s judicial protocol by directing that lawyers should no longer use the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in official Supreme Court proceedings and correspondence.
The directive, which has attracted widespread attention across the legal profession, is aimed at promoting uniformity, professionalism, and consistency in the Supreme Court’s official records and courtroom practice. Under the new instruction, legal practitioners appearing before the apex court are expected to identify themselves by their names without the “Barrister” prefix.
The development marks a notable shift in courtroom etiquette and is expected to influence how legal practitioners present themselves in official judicial engagements. While the title “Barrister” has long been commonly used by many Nigerian lawyers, the Supreme Court’s latest directive signals a move toward a more standardized system of professional identification.
Legal observers say the decision reflects ongoing efforts to modernize judicial procedures and align official court practice with established professional standards. The directive is expected to be implemented across all Supreme Court documentation and official communications, with court officials instructed to comply accordingly.
Importantly, the new policy does not abolish the legal status or professional qualification of barristers in Nigeria. Lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar remain fully recognized as legal practitioners. The directive only affects the official use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix in Supreme Court proceedings and related documentation.
The announcement has generated discussions within legal circles, with some practitioners describing it as a welcome step toward strengthening institutional professionalism, while others view it as a symbolic but significant reform in judicial administration. Many believe the directive will encourage greater uniformity in legal practice and reinforce the dignity of the nation’s highest court.
As the legal community adjusts to the new protocol, attention will be on how the directive shapes future courtroom practice and whether similar standards may be adopted by other courts across the country. For now, the Supreme Court’s position establishes a clear precedent for official proceedings before Nigeria’s apex court.
