Nigerian Law Society rejects CJN's ban on 'Barrister' title, cites lack of legal basis

The NLS, through its Executive Director, Dr Tonye Jaja, stated that the directive lacks a clear basis in existing legislation. The CJN's directive, issued via a July 13, 2026 memo from the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, aimed to promote professional standards. However, Dr Jaja argued that the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962, recognizes "Barrister" and "Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria" as applicable titles, while "Esquire" is not expressly provided for in the relevant legislation.

He further contended that neither the CJN, the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee LPPC, nor the Nigerian Bar Association can impose requirements not explicitly contained in the Act. The NLS also highlighted an inconsistency, noting that the "Blue Silks" rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria SCN is not in the Act, yet arguments are made against its recognition, while the CJN seeks to ban "Barrister," which is explicitly listed. Dr Jaja accused the CJN and LPPC of applying discriminatory standards and hypocrisy, permitting titles not in statutes while banning those that are.

He also pointed out that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN title evolved from British tradition and is not solely a creation of Nigerian legislation, arguing that the absence of a title from a