ABUJA, Nigeria — Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at a ceremony marking the 2026/2027 legal year.
The ceremony, held on Monday, October 12, 2026, formally conferred the prestigious rank on the successful applicants approved by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC).
The 68 recipients comprise 67 practising advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, who was recognised for his contributions to legal scholarship.
The LPPC had approved the candidates at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja on July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of Justice Kekere-Ekun.
The committee subsequently scheduled the swearing-in for October 12, subject to the candidates completing the mandatory pre-swearing-in induction programme.
LPPC Approves 68 Recipients
The selection followed the committee’s assessment of candidates seeking the rank for the 2026 conferment exercise.
The SAN rank recognises legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional distinction in courtroom advocacy or made significant contributions to legal scholarship and the development of law.
The committee’s approval marked the conclusion of the selection process, while the formal ceremony completed the conferment of the rank on the successful applicants.
The 2026 list includes lawyers from different parts of the country and across various areas of legal practice.
What The SAN Rank Represents
Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest professional distinctions in the Nigerian legal profession.
The rank recognises excellence in legal practice and scholarship. Candidates must satisfy established professional requirements and undergo the prescribed assessment before the LPPC approves their applications.
Successful recipients are expected to uphold high standards of professional conduct, integrity and competence in the discharge of their duties.
The rank also carries responsibilities within the legal profession, including maintaining ethical standards and contributing to the administration of justice.
Induction And Professional Standards
The LPPC had directed the successful applicants to attend and complete a mandatory pre-swearing-in induction programme before receiving the rank formally.
The committee also reminded prospective recipients of restrictions on publishing advertisements, congratulatory messages and goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment before the formal ceremony.
The restrictions are intended to ensure compliance with the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The swearing-in marks an important professional milestone for the successful applicants as the Nigerian judiciary enters a new legal year.
