This study examines the perception of legal professionals on the governance of AI in developing countries, using Nigeria as a case study. The study focused on ethical risks, regulatory gaps, and institutional readiness. The study adopted a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through 27 semi-structured interviews with legal practitioners in Nigeria. A focus group discussion was also held with seven additional legal practitioners across sectors such as finance, insurance, and corporate law. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key patterns in participant responses. Findings showed that there were concerns about data privacy risks and the lack of enforceable legal frameworks. Participants expressed limited confidence in institutional capacity and emphasized the need for locally adapted governance models rather than direct adoption of foreign frameworks. While some expressed optimism about AI's potential, this was conditional on the presence of strong legal oversight and public accountability. The study contributes to the growing discourse on AI governance in developing countries by focusing on the perspectives of legal professionals. It highlights the importance of regulatory approaches that are context-specific, inclusive, and capable of bridging the gap between global ethical principles and local realities. These insights offer practical guidance for policymakers, regulators, and scholars working to shape responsible AI governance in similar environments.

翻译：本研究以尼日利亚为案例，考察法律专业人士对发展中国家人工智能治理的认知。研究聚焦伦理风险、监管空白及制度准备度。采用定性案例研究设计，通过对27名尼日利亚法律从业者的半结构化访谈及一场跨金融、保险和公司法等领域的7名法律从业者焦点小组讨论收集数据。运用主题分析法识别受访者回答中的关键模式。研究结果显示，受访者普遍担忧数据隐私风险及可执行法律框架的缺失，对机构能力信心不足，强调应制定本土化治理模式而非直接套用外国框架。部分受访者对人工智能潜力持谨慎乐观态度，但认为必须以强有力的法律监管和公共问责为前提。本研究通过聚焦法律专业人士视角，为发展中国家人工智能治理这一日益增长的学术讨论作出贡献，凸显制定因地制宜、包容性强、能够弥合全球伦理原则与地方现实差距的监管方法的重要性。相关洞见为在类似环境中致力于构建负责任人工智能治理的政策制定者、监管者和学者提供了实践指南。