Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has directed that legal practitioners appearing before the Supreme Court should no longer use the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names during court proceedings and in official court documents.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, forms part of ongoing efforts by the apex court to reinforce professionalism, uniformity and judicial decorum in Nigeria’s highest court.
The new rule requires lawyers to identify themselves only by their names and, where applicable, the professional title “Esquire (Esq.)” or other officially recognized designations rather than the prefix “Barrister.”
Directive Takes Immediate Effect
The Supreme Court administration communicated the directive to members of the legal profession through an official notice issued under the authority of the Chief Justice.
According to the notice, the title “Barrister” should no longer precede the names of counsel appearing before the court in any capacity. This includes:
- Court processes and filings.
- Cause lists.
- Introductions during proceedings.
- Official correspondence submitted to the Supreme Court.
Court officials have also been instructed to ensure compliance with the new directive in all future proceedings.
Move Aimed at Promoting Uniformity
Legal observers say the directive is intended to promote consistency in judicial practice and align courtroom procedures with internationally accepted standards.
In many common law jurisdictions, legal practitioners are generally identified by their names without the use of honorific professional prefixes during court proceedings.
The Supreme Court believes that maintaining a uniform style of addressing counsel will enhance the dignity and orderly administration of justice.
Why the Title “Barrister” Matters
In Nigeria, graduates of the Nigerian Law School who are called to the Bar often use the title “Barrister” before their names.
While the designation reflects professional qualification, its usage has largely become a matter of convention rather than a legal requirement in judicial proceedings.
Many lawyers also use the post-nominal “Esq.” after their names instead of the “Barrister” prefix.
The latest directive clarifies that the Supreme Court prefers the latter approach in all official engagements before the apex court.
Legal Community Reacts
The directive has generated discussions within the Nigerian legal community.
Some senior lawyers described the decision as a welcome step towards standardizing courtroom etiquette, arguing that professional competence should be reflected in advocacy rather than titles.
Others noted that the change is largely administrative and does not affect the legal status, rights or qualifications of advocates enrolled at the Nigerian Bar.
Several practitioners also observed that similar practices already exist in many appellate courts where emphasis is placed on the advocate’s name rather than professional prefixes.
No Effect on Legal Qualification
The directive does not remove the status of lawyers who have been called to the Nigerian Bar.
Rather, it simply regulates how counsel should identify themselves before the Supreme Court.
Legal practitioners remain entitled to all professional rights and privileges conferred by law, including audience before Nigerian courts where duly qualified.
Part of Broader Judicial Reforms
The directive comes amid broader efforts by the Nigerian judiciary to improve courtroom administration, modernize judicial procedures and strengthen professionalism across all levels of the justice system.
Since assuming office, the current leadership of the judiciary has introduced measures aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and respect for court processes.
Legal analysts believe standardizing professional titles in official proceedings contributes to preserving the dignity and authority of the Supreme Court as Nigeria’s highest judicial institution.
Compliance Expected
Law firms, litigants and court registries are expected to comply immediately with the directive.
Documents filed before the Supreme Court are now expected to reflect the approved naming convention, while lawyers appearing before the court are advised to refrain from using “Barrister” as a prefix during introductions and submissions.
Court officials have been directed to enforce the policy to ensure uniform compliance in all proceedings.
The directive underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards and reinforcing the solemnity of judicial proceedings.
Sources
- Supreme Court of Nigeria
- Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
- Channels Television
- The Nation Newspaper
- Punch Newspapers
