The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has formally disassociated itself from the emerging use of the professional title “Blue Silk,” declaring that the designation has no recognition within Nigeria’s legal system.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Mr. Kabir Akanbi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Secretary of the LPPC, the Committee said its attention had been drawn to the introduction and growing use of the title among some members of the legal community.
The LPPC, which derives its authority from the Legal Practitioners Act to confer the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reaffirmed that the SAN designation remains the highest professional distinction available to legal practitioners in Nigeria.
The Committee stressed that the award of the SAN rank is governed strictly by statutory provisions and the LPPC’s established guidelines. It clarified that it does not recognise any parallel, intermediary, or alternative professional title, including the so-called “Blue Silk,” that purports to suggest official recognition, hierarchical status, or elevation within the Bar.
According to the LPPC, any such designation lacks statutory backing and does not emanate from any authority recognised under Nigerian law.
The Committee further cautioned that legal practitioners who create, adopt, or publicly present themselves under the disputed title risk violating the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.
At its meeting held on 12 February 2026, the LPPC resolved to take all necessary steps within its statutory powers to protect the integrity of the legal profession and preserve the exclusivity of the SAN rank.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Committee stated that it remains dedicated to upholding the dignity, prestige, and institutional sanctity of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria designation. Members of the Bar have therefore been advised to take note of the clarification and ensure strict compliance with established professional and statutory standards.