Nigerian Private Legal Practitioners To Pay N5 Million For Senior Advocate Rank As Odinkalu Condemns Alarming Fee
By Paul Ebi
In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) has announced a new policy requiring Nigerian private legal practitioners to pay a N5 million fee to be considered for the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank. The decision has drawn sharp condemnation from legal experts and civil society, who argue that the fee undermines the integrity of the legal profession and excludes deserving candidates based on financial means.
Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, has been vocal in his opposition to the new policy. He described the N5 million fee as “alarming” and “elitist,” warning that it could entrench inequality within the legal profession. Odinkalu emphasized that the SAN rank should be based on merit and professional excellence, not financial capacity.
The LPPC, responsible for conferring the SAN title, has defended the fee, stating that it is necessary to cover administrative costs associated with the rigorous selection process. However, critics argue that the fee disproportionately affects younger lawyers and those from less affluent backgrounds, potentially sidelining talented individuals who cannot afford the cost.
Legal associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have called for a review of the policy. They urge the LPPC to consider alternative funding mechanisms that do not place a financial burden on applicants. The controversy continues to unfold, with stakeholders across the legal community demanding a more inclusive approach to the SAN selection process.
As the debate intensifies, the future of the SAN rank and its accessibility to all qualified legal practitioners remains uncertain.
