The report on the observance and implementation of the Principles of Policy – as set out in Articles 29-40 of the Constitution – by the state authorities must be laid before the National Assembly when received from the federal government.

Why it matters for the National Assembly proceedings?

Principles of Policy are the Constitution’s aspirational framework for social and economic governance.  Article 29 of the Constitution mandates the President to cause to be prepared and laid before the Parliament a progress report on the implementation of Principles of Policy in relation to the affairs of the federation. In line with the constitutional guideline, the Federal Government’s Rules of Business 1973 entrust the responsibility of preparation of the report to the Cabinet Division.

Principles of Policy cover the protection of Islamic way of life, promotion of local government institutions, discouragement of parochial and other similar prejudices, full participation of women in national life, protection of the family, protection of minorities, promotion of social justice and eradication of social evils, promotion of the social and economic well-being of the people, participation of people in the Armed Forces, and strengthening bonds with the Muslim world and promoting international peace.

The National Assembly rules require this report to be laid before the House through a minister. Once the report is laid, the Speaker shall fix a day for discussion on it. Upon a motion by a minister, the House may, by a resolution, express its opinion or make any observation or recommendation on the report.

What is in it for citizens?

For citizens engaged with social policy and rights-based advocacy, the Principles of Policy report is the constitutional basis for holding the government accountable to its own foundational commitments. Whether the report is tabled on time, whether the Assembly discusses it are questions worth investigating.

Source: Rule 178, Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007

The proceedings of the National Assembly are governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. The current rules were passed on 23 February 2007 and have since been amended 21 times, most recently on 22 October 2024.

This post is part of FAFEN’s series on parliamentary literacy. Read more of this series here.