What is the name of the motion brought before the chamber asking that leave be given to bring in a bill?

Analyze the question The question asks about legislative procedure. A member wants to introduce a bill, and the first step is to ask the chamber for permission to bring it in. What is that request called?

Explain the concept In a legislature (such as Nigeria's National Assembly), a bill passes through stages:

1. First reading: the bill is formally introduced and its title is read.
2. Second reading: the general principles are debated.
3. Committee stage: details are examined clause by clause.
4. Report stage: the committee reports back to the House.
5. Third reading: the final vote.
6. Assent: the Executive signs it into law.

Before the first reading, the member usually has to seek the permission of the House to bring in the bill. In parliamentary practice this is done by a motion for "leave to bring in a bill". The motion is simply known as a motion for leave. The House either grants or refuses leave, and once leave is granted, the bill is introduced and given its first reading.

Check the options

• A. Government motion: this refers to a motion sponsored by the government. It does not describe a request for permission to introduce a bill.
• B. Enactment: this is the final act of making a bill into law.
• C. Approval: this is a general word for consent. It is not the procedural name for this motion.
• D. Leave: this is the term for the permission requested, so the motion is the "motion for leave". This matches the question.

Answer The correct option is D. leave.

Exam tip Remember the phrase "leave to bring in a bill". When a question quotes the words "leave be given", the answer is usually "leave". Also remember that leave comes first, before the first reading.