31/07/2026
CLARIFICATION ON THE USE OF "BARRISTER" AS A PREFIX
PURSUANT TO THE SUPREME COURT MEMORANDUM OF 13TH JULY 2026
Dear Distinguished Colleagues,
Please be guided by the memorandum issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria as follows:
1. OUR QUALIFICATION REMAINS UNCHANGED
Upon Call to Bar in Nigeria, a Legal Practitioner is admitted as both a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
This position derives from Section 2(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Unlike the position in the United Kingdom where the profession is divided, our profession in Nigeria is fused. We appear in court and we also engage in chamber practice.
2. WHAT THE MEMORANDUM PROHIBITS
The Supreme Court is not removing our status as Barristers.
What the directive prohibits is the use of the word "Barrister" as a prefix to our names in all official documents, correspondence, and records.
For example, you should not write Barrister John Doe.
3. THE APPROVED STYLE OF ADDRESS
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee affirmed the proper style in Nigerian Bar Association v. Ofomata (2017) 5 NWLR Part 1557 page 128 at page 133.
The Committee held that lawyers should use Esq. as a suffix.
For example, write John Doe, Esq.
The suffix Esq. denotes that you are both a Barrister and a Solicitor.
4. THE REASON FOR THIS POSITION
This reflects the tradition and etiquette of the legal profession in Nigeria and other common law jurisdictions.
Judges use the prefix Honourable Justice because the Constitution provides for it. Other professions such as Doctors and Engineers follow conventions approved by their respective regulatory bodies.
CONCLUSION
You may still state in conversation that you are a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
However, on all letterheads, court processes, identity cards, and official correspondence, please use your name followed by Esq.
Let us comply with this directive in order to promote uniformity and uphold the dignity of our profession.
Thank you.
