igboland was gradually rebuilt by its citizens and some contribution from the nigerian government over a period of twenty years and the economy prospered again due to the rise of the petroleum industry in the adjacent niger delta region. this led to the establishment of new factories in southern nigeria. many igbo people eventually took government positions, although many were engaged in private business. since the early 21st century, there has been a wave of nigerian igbo immigration to other african countries, europe, and the americas.