Nigeria's Top Lawyers Urge Reform Amid Concerns Over SAN Rank Prestige

Analysts are calling on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to address concerns about the dwindling prestige of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank. This appeal follows the shortlisting of 89 candidates for the 2026 conferment, a number that has steadily increased over recent years, raising questions about the quality of legal practitioners being admitted to the Inner Bar.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) announced the shortlist, comprising 77 legal practitioners and 12 academics who have reached the final stage. Candidates passed several assessment stages, including filtration exercises, academic pre-qualification, and independent appeals hearings. The committee invited public comments on the integrity, reputation, and competence of the shortlisted individuals, requiring any complaints to be accompanied by a verifying affidavit.

However, many legal practitioners express unease over the increasing number of SAN awardees and a perceived decline in quality. The application fee for the SAN rank has reportedly risen from N600,000 to over N1 million, sparking concerns about the "commercialization" and "politicization" of what is considered Nigeria's highest legal distinction. The rank, traditionally awarded to lawyers and academics who have distinguished themselves, grants privileges such as reserved court seats and priority case handling, with recipients distinguished by their 'silk' attire.

The growing number of shortlists, from 72 candidates in 2025 to 89 in 2026, contrasts with the expectation that the process would become more stringent. This trend, coupled with the increased fees, has led to a broader discussion about sanitizing the selection process to restore the SAN rank's former glory and ensure it truly reflects excellence in the legal profession.