Concerns Rise Over SAN Rank Shortlist and Fees

The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 89 candidates for the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank for 2026, comprising 77 legal practitioners and 12 academic candidates. The committee found that candidates passed several assessment stages, including independent appeals and inspections.

However, the LPPC cautioned that inclusion in the shortlist does not guarantee success. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the candidates until July 15, with complaints requiring verified affidavits.

Concerns have been raised about the increasing number of candidates and the application fee, which has risen from N600,000 to N1 million, leading to accusations of commercialization of the SAN rank. Critics argue that the award should be based on merit and integrity, lamenting that the process has become less rigorous.

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) previously expressed concerns about the declining quality associated with the SAN title, fearing it may lose its prestige.