LPPC dismisses ‘blue silk’ title, confirms SAN as highest rank

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has dismissed the reported introduction and use of a purported title referred to as “Blue Silk” within certain quarters of the legal community.

The Committee, in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, said it does not recognise such title, stressing that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remained the highest mark of professional distinction for legal practitioners in the country.

Insisting that the conferment of ‘Blue Silk’ has no statutory backing, the LPPC warned that its use could amount to violations of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.

It said: “The attention of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has been drawn to the introduction and recent use of the purported title or designation referred to as ‘Blue Silk’ within certain quarters of the legal community.

“The LPPC is a statutory body established under the Legal Practitioners Act and is solely vested with the responsibility of conferring the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

“The rank of SAN remains the highest mark of professional distinction for legal practitioners in Nigeria and is awarded strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Guidelines issued by the LPPC.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the LPPC does not recognize any parallel, intermediate, or alternative rank styled as ‘Blue Silk’ or by any other nomenclature purporting to suggest official status, hierarchy, or recognition within the legal profession.

“The introduction, conferment or use of such a title has no statutory backing and does not emanate from the LPPC or any authority recognized under the Legal Practitioners Act.

“Members of the legal profession and the general public are hereby advised to take note. The LPPC views the actions of legal practitioners involved in the establishment of such purported ranks, as well as individuals who present or parade themselves as ‘Blue Silks’ as conduct that may amount to violations of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.

“At its meeting held on 12th February 2026, the LPPC resolved to take appropriate steps in line with its statutory mandate to preserve the integrity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“The LPPC remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity, prestige, and exclusivity of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and will continue to discharge its responsibilities strictly in accordance with the law,” the statement, which was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, further read.

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