Members of the Nigerian Bar Association have been formally notified that the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has distanced itself from the emergence and circulation of a purported professional designation styled as “Blue Silk,” stating unequivocally that it does not recognize any such rank within the Nigerian legal system.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mr. Kabir Akanbi, who also serves as Secretary of the LPPC, the Committee disclosed that its attention had been drawn to the introduction and recent usage of the title within certain segments of the legal community.
The LPPC, established under the Legal Practitioners Act and vested with the statutory authority to confer the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reaffirmed that the SAN distinction remains the highest professional honour available to legal practitioners in Nigeria.
The Committee emphasised that the award of the rank is governed strictly by the provisions of the Act and the Guidelines issued by the LPPC.
According to the statement, the Committee does not recognise any parallel, intermediary, or alternative designation, whether styled as “Blue Silk” or otherwise, that purports to suggest official recognition, hierarchical standing, or professional elevation within the Bar.
For clarity, the LPPC stated that any such title lacks a statutory foundation and does not originate from the Committee or any authority recognised under the Legal Practitioners Act.
The Committee further cautioned that practitioners who create, adopt, or publicly parade themselves under the disputed designation may be exposing themselves to potential breaches of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.
At its meeting held on 12 February 2026, the LPPC resolved to take necessary measures within its statutory mandate to safeguard the integrity of the profession and preserve the exclusivity attached to the SAN rank.
Reiterating its position, the Committee affirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining the dignity, prestige, and institutional sanctity of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria designation and assured members that it will continue to discharge its responsibilities in strict compliance with the law.
Members of the Bar are accordingly advised to take note of the Committee’s clarification and act in conformity with established professional and statutory standards.
